Perform good works all the days of your life, and do not tread the paths of wrongdoing. For if you are steadfast in your service, your good works will bring success, not only to you, but also to all those who live uprightly. (Tobit 4: 5-6)

Has Tobit been upright? Has he performed good works? Has he experienced success?

We know Tobit has been faithful in worship. We know he has given to the poor. We know he has taken considerable risk - and experienced serious consequences - for attending to the dead.

We cannot be sure that Tobit's motives were always pure. There is some suggestion that he has taken pride in his good works. We know of at least one occasion when he was impatient and harsh with his wife. Might this negate the good works?

Tobit is blind. He is dependent on others. He considers himself unsuccessful. He feels his life is no longer worth living.

What is God's definition of success? In another translation Tobit tells his son, "To those who practice righteousness, the Lord will give good counsel." How would God advise Tobit?

Above is Tobit and Tobiah depicted by Benjamin West.