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Zophar listened to Job respond to Bildad’s second speech and became impatient. He is one of those people who would rather talk than listen. Do you know anyone like that? Zophar said, “My thoughts answer me, because of my haste within me.” He doesn’t listen while others talk. Instead, he thinks about his response and can’t wait to share it. Zophar also noted that he was insulted by Job’s remarks (Job 20:3).
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.
Writing about the greatness of God, the prophet Isaiah asked, “Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? (Isa. 40:13-14) The answer to these rhetorical questions is, “No one!” No man or woman can understand the mind of God and all the ways he works in our lives and the world.
Job lost his family, wealth, and health, leaving him to grapple with questions about God. The foundation of his life has collapsed. He is in emotional pain from losing his family. He endures physical suffering due to his deteriorating health. It’s hard for him to breathe (9:18), and he has no appetite (3:24). He is covered in painful, ulcerous sores (2:7). Additionally, he faces spiritual turmoil. What is God doing? Can I trust him? Is he enough?
Yesterday, we considered Eliphaz’s first two messages recorded in Job 4 and 15. Today, our focus is on Job 22. In his final confrontation, Eliphaz tells Job, “You are a sinner!” (Job 22:1-11), “You are a hypocrite!” (Job 22:12-20), and “You must repent!” (Job 22:21-29).
Many people believe that life’s challenges are always the result of sin. They hold a “cause and effect” view of God: sin leads to punishment, while obedience results in blessings. However, our study reveals that Job was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” God was not punishing Job for sin; instead, he was permitting Satan to test Job’s integrity.
Someone has said you should walk a mile in another person’s shoes before criticizing them. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and have their shoes! I think that’s worth a chuckle. However, what follows with Job’s three friends isn’t amusing. They began their interaction with severe criticism. They hadn’t walked a mile, not even a yard, in Job’s shoes. Yet, they were convinced that Job had done something terrible to lose his family, health, and livelihood, which led them to reprimand him.
Before we move on to Job 4, let me introduce Job’s friends and present a framework for examining the upcoming chapters of the book.
God and Satan interacted in the courts of heaven. Satan leveled allegations against both Job and God. Reading their discourse reveals a unique perspective, and I want to emphasize that Scripture indicates Satan appears before God continuously. Revelation 12:10 states that Satan accuses us, “day and night before our God.” In the dialogue recorded in Job 2, Satan argued that God secured Job’s love through blessings, which led God to permit Satan to initiate severe tests to prove the charges false.
With all his business dealings, Job had numerous friends and acquaintances. When he conducted business, one might imagine that Job provided them with comfortable lodging and the finest meals. He aimed to satisfy his clients, who rented his camels—”the ships of the desert”—by offering top-quality products and services. However, many friends were left speechless when Job’s life fell apart, causing them to distance themselves (which we’ll discuss later). Three friends reached out to each other and decided to visit Job to express their concern. They set a day and time to meet their friend Job in Uz.
Carmen was adamant. “Job did something wrong to cause these calamities! There’s no way God would allow this to happen otherwise.” The passion in her voice—and frankly, the volume—created a sense of unease in our small group, which quickly fell silent. I reviewed Job’s characteristics. “Carmen,” I said, “let’s look at the text again. Job was blameless, upright, feared God, and shunned evil.” But she remained unconvinced. Carmen interjected and insisted that the text didn’t mention Job’s disobedient actions. She firmly held to her belief that Job had acted against God.
It’s hard to fathom how Job’s pain could have been worse. We might be tempted to say, “My situation pales in comparison to Job. I should never complain, question, or doubt.” If Job’s suffering serves as the benchmark for our suffering, then the response to our pain becomes, “Suck it up. It could be worse. Just look at Job.” But that is wrong thinking.
I’ve heard it said that people love God like a farmer loves his cow—for the milk and cheese. Undoubtedly, many connect with God for the benefits. But what if all those benefits were taken away? Would we still love God? Would we still worship him? Satan asserts that humanity loves God only for the perks.