Have you ever found yourself grappling with judgments and assumptions while seeking comfort in difficult times? Perhaps you have found yourself making judgments and assumptions while seeking to comfort others?
Delve into Job 15 with me as we navigate through the complexities of offering solace and the unintended impact of misguided words during trials.
Enter into this journey from both the perspective of the one seeking comfort and the friend trying to help.
(Summarized and continued after the scripture.)
Eliphaz Says Job Presumes Much
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite responded,
2“Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge
And fill himself with the east wind?
3“Should he argue with useless talk,
Or with words which are not profitable?
4“Indeed, you do away with reverence
And hinder meditation before God.
5“For your guilt teaches your mouth,
And you choose the language of the crafty.
6“Your own mouth condemns you, and not I;
And your own lips testify against you.
7“Were you the first man to be born,
Or were you brought forth before the hills?
8“Do you hear the secret counsel of God,
And limit wisdom to yourself?
9“What do you know that we do not know?
What do you understand that we do not?
10“Both the gray-haired and the aged are among us,
Older than your father.
11“Are the consolations of God too small for you,
Even the word spoken gently with you?
12“Why does your heart carry you away?
And why do your eyes flash,
13That you should turn your spirit against God
And allow such words to go out of your mouth?
14“What is man, that he should be pure,
Or he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
15“Behold, He puts no trust in His holy ones,
And the heavens are not pure in His sight;
16How much less one who is detestable and corrupt,
Man, who drinks iniquity like water!
What Eliphaz Has Seen of Life
17“I will tell you, listen to me;
And what I have seen I will also declare;
18What wise men have told,
And have not concealed from their fathers,
19To whom alone the land was given,
And no alien passed among them.
20“The wicked man writhes in pain all his days,
And numbered are the years stored up for the ruthless.
21“Sounds of terror are in his ears;
While at peace the destroyer comes upon him.
22“He does not believe that he will return from darkness,
And he is destined for the sword.
23“He wanders about for food, saying, ‘Where is it?’
He knows that a day of darkness is at hand.
24“Distress and anguish terrify him,
They overpower him like a king ready for the attack,
25Because he has stretched out his hand against God
And conducts himself arrogantly against the Almighty.
26“He rushes headlong at Him
With his massive shield.
27“For he has covered his face with his fat
And made his thighs heavy with flesh.
28“He has lived in desolate cities,
In houses no one would inhabit,
Which are destined to become ruins.
29“He will not become rich, nor will his wealth endure;
And his grain will not bend down to the ground.
30“He will not escape from darkness;
The flame will wither his shoots,
And by the breath of His mouth he will go away.
31“Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself;
For emptiness will be his reward.
32“It will be accomplished before his time,
And his palm branch will not be green.
33“He will drop off his unripe grape like the vine,
And will cast off his flower like the olive tree.
34“For the company of the godless is barren,
And fire consumes the tents of the corrupt.
35“They conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity,
And their mind prepares deception.”
Summary of Key Points (including some context from other related chapters):
- Eliphaz’s Intensifying Judgments: In Job 15, Eliphaz amplifies his judgments, convinced that Job’s suffering must be a consequence of hidden sin. Explore the escalating tension as Job contends with these assumptions, shedding light on the challenges of offering support.
- The Struggle of Defending Righteousness: Job passionately defends his righteousness, exposing the internal turmoil faced by those unjustly accused. Uncover the poignant struggle of maintaining integrity in the face of unwarranted judgments.
- The Impactful Nature of Words: Despite Eliphaz’s good intentions, his words fail to provide the solace Job seeks. Witness the profound impact that well-intentioned yet misguided judgments can have, emphasizing the need for empathetic communication.
- Job’s Desperation and Unyielding Resolve: Job, burdened by relentless accusations, expresses both desperation and unwavering resolve. Journey with him as he clings to his innocence and seeks a fair hearing before God in the midst of overwhelming judgments.
Reflect on moments when you’ve felt judged or misunderstood during challenging times.
Engage in meaningful conversations with friends or family, fostering an atmosphere of empathy and understanding.
Share your experiences and encourage others to offer support without making assumptions.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.