Job 11

There’s an old anecdote about a preacher who greeted people as they left church on Sunday. One man shook the preacher’s hand, looked him in the eye, and said, “Today’s sermon was the worst sermon I’ve ever heard.” The next person in line added, “Not only was that the worst sermon I’ve ever heard, but I can’t believe we actually pay you to be our pastor.” However, the following congregant reassured the preacher: “Don’t worry about what those two said. They don’t have a mind of their own; they simply repeat what everyone else is saying!”

In our study of Job, we have encountered harsh criticism from Job’s friends, Eliphaz and Bildad. Today, we meet Zophar, who essentially reiterates the other two friends’ sentiments.

Let’s review our setting.

The prologue of the book of Job is presented in narrative form. In chapters 1-2, we are introduced to the greatest man in all the East, who led an upright and blameless life. Job was blessed with a large family and substantial wealth. Satan accuses God of buying Job’s devotion, and to prove Satan wrong, God allowed him to test Job. Satan wasted no time; the testing was severe. Job’s trials drove him from his home to the dump, where he sat as an outcast, mourning the loss of his family and wealth while suffering due to his deteriorating health.

Three friends came to comfort and support Job—at least, that was their initial intention. The friends’ counsel and Job’s responses are presented in poetic form and unfold as follows: three rounds of speeches from Eliphaz and Bildad, and two rounds from Zophar. Each man listened to the advice the others gave and Job’s replies after each discourse. Zophar heard the arguments from Eliphaz and Bildad but had nothing original to contribute; still, he felt the need to chime in.

Zophar began his first speech with a sharp albeit unoriginal introduction. He repeated Bildad’s cutting remark that Job is full of hot air. In response to Job’s rebuttal, Zophar said, “Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right? Should your babble silence men…” (11:2-3). Zophar accused Job of using many words to say nothing. Then, he delivers the accusation.

Job 11:4-6
For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God’s eyes.’ ⁵ But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you, ⁶ and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.

That must have hurt. Job knew he hadn’t done anything to deserve such punishment. Zophar mocks this claim, telling Job that what he received is less than what his sins warranted. Those words are profoundly insulting and, in my view, vile, especially considering all that Job has endured.

And one more thing: Zophar misrepresented Job. Job challenged his friend to help him understand what he had done. He was humble and vulnerable enough to say, “Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray” (Job 6:24). Don’t you hate it when people put words in your mouth? Have you ever been in a meeting and later heard someone report on what was said? You think, my goodness, was that person at the same meeting I attended? People like Zophar twist words to fit their desired narrative.

Zophar is far from finished. He contends that Job’s claim of purity in God’s eyes comes from ignorance, as Job does not grasp who God is and what it truly means to be pure in his sight.

Job 11:7-11
Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? ⁸ It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? ⁹ Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. ¹⁰ If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back? ¹¹ For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?

Don’t overlook the gut punch in that final verse. Zophar suggests, “God knows what a worthless man looks like. When he sees sin, he addresses it with harsh punishment, just as he has done with you, Job.” Then Zophar delivers the ultimate insult by referencing a wild donkey, regarded as one of the least intelligent animals.

Job 11:12
But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man!

Now, honestly, that is clever. A foolish man will gain wisdom when a foolish animal gives birth to a man. Of course, that’s never going to happen!

Zophar argues, “Job, you are guilty” (11:1-4) and “Job, you are ignorant” (11:5-12). He concludes his first speech by saying, “Job, admit your moral defect and repent!”

Job 11:13-15
If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. ¹⁴ If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. ¹⁵ Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear.

Zophar advises Job that repentance will help him forget his misery (11:16) and bring light and brightness back to his life (11:17). He encourages Job to admit his sin and reassures him that hope will return, allowing him to feel secure again (11:18-19). However, if Job refuses to acknowledge his wrongdoing, he will face a dismal death. His eyes will grow dim, and there will be no escape. His only hope will come when he takes his last breath (11:20).

Let’s end today with insights from the wise pastor and author, Warren Wiersbe.

How sad it is when people who should share ministry end up creating misery. “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15) is good counsel to follow….

A Chinese proverb says, “Though conversing face to face, their hearts have a thousand miles between them.” How true that was at the ash heap!^[1]

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 11
Picture the setting before reading this chapter. Job is sitting at the garbage dump, having lost everything. As you read, hear the insensitivity of Zophar’s words. Focus on Zophar’s perspective of God’s justice. 

Talking to God
Ask God to show you if there are any areas in your life where you could show more compassion.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we will reply soon.

This week’s podcast is a must-listen for parents. I have a conversation with professional counselor Heidi Erickson, who explains the effects of pornography on children and how we can protect them. Visit The Journey with Ron Moore Podcast, Episode 68.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Patient, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 46.