September 30, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Job? Here’s today’s reading:
Job 11 (NIV)
Zophar
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
2“Are all these words to go unanswered?
Is this talker to be vindicated?
3 Will your idle talk reduce others to silence?
Will no one rebuke you when you mock?…..Continue Reading
Zophar was a religious dogmatist who believed in human merit or moral law to get to be with God. Dr. C. I. Scofield says that Zophar was a religious dogmatist who assumes to know all about God; what God will do in any given case, why He will do it, and all His thoughts about it. Self -effort or human merit can never satisfy God or produce a righteousness pleasing to Him. [ All the Men of the Bible] Zophar was angry at Job for he said a multitude of words that they were not justified. He instead mocked Job that he told lies. that he was witless man, a deceiver. Also during this Zophar took a heartless jab at him and another insensitive barb. Witless means empty in the head. The heartless jab is in verses 1-6. My other source of information is [ The Bible Knowledge Commentary.] Can you imagine the arrogance that this man had to think that he knew God`s mind in this situation or for that matter any situation. Especially starting with the wrong assumptions. He felt that he could merit God`s favor. That like all the religions of the world today. They all believe that they have to do something to merit God`s favor. True Christianity is by faith alone fully trusting in the Risen Savour. [ Eph. 2;8,9] God bless all.
Dophar. No I didn’t miss spell that. The one personality that drives me absolutely nuts in a church. He’s has all the answers Telling job he deserves more punishment. We all still need this lesson Instead of judging. Being compassionate to people’s situations. Verse 11. Even calls job deceitful. Hiding some of his sins. Let’s all take the plank out first
Job 11
These friends clearly hit a point of frustration with Job. They went from silently sitting with him for 7 days in a show of support to telling him to stop whining and just confess! It is obvious to them that Job must have done something to deserve what was happening to him. Zophar takes it a step further to explain the ways of God to him as if he didn’t know God’s ways.
While we have the clarity to know the backstory of what is happening with Job behind the scenes, it is not unreasonable to think we may fall into the role of one of these friends with someone in our own lives. Harsh yes, but trying to help and trying to bring Job answers is what many of us would do. I guess the biggest lesson to learn here is that we should pray more, be quiet, and listen to God to guide our words before we decide to give counsel to someone struggling.
Job 11
I’m continuing my study in Proverbs this week. Proverbs 22:3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. The definition of prudent is to be careful or wise in handling practical matters, exercising good judgment or common sense. To be simple is to be lacking in knowledge, prestige, or intelligence. So, if we let God lead and guide us through his Holy Spirit, we can make wise decisions. If we are lacking in Biblical knowledge, relationship with God, and fellowship with his people, we will have difficulty seeing the roadblocks in our lives (i.e., sin) that keep us from receiving God’s blessing. So, let us be aware of the warnings that lead to difficulty, turn away from them quickly, and move towards the things of God so we will be filled with an abundance of joy and peace.
Thanks for sharing from where you are reading Shelly! I hope it helps others realize they can do the same….
Zophar tells Job to repent….he must have done something wrong.
Job 11