October 9, 2023
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Reading along with us in Job? Here’s today’s reading:
Job 20 (NIV)
Zophar
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
2“My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer
because I am greatly disturbed.
3 I hear a rebuke that dishonors me,
and my understanding inspires me to reply.…..Continue Reading
Now Zophar the one who presumes that he knows all about God is angered and feels insulted by Job because Job has told them that they are wrong and that they lack understanding. He goes on and continues to mock Job describing the things that he believes happen to the wicked by God. That these things that happened to Job proves that he is a wicked man. For why else would God allow Job to lose his family, his wealth, and health. It couldn`t be any other reason. What a narrow minded mind set. Zophar claiming to know the mind of God. He even claims that God is angry with Job when he is the one that is angry. There is no compassion here for his friend just harshness. Job told them earlier that they would be better to stay quiet. At least by staying quiet they would seem wise. For they are not giving him any comfort but only judgement. With friends like these who needs enemies. Proverbs 17;28 [ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.] Sometimes it is best not to say anything. God bless us together in our loving Lord.
Job 20
After Job’s heartfelt expression of his destitute state, Zophar says he is replying and yet says nothing of compassion to Job but only further descriptions of the nature and fate of those who are evil, presuming that Job himself is in that category. Theses friends are certainly not a model of how we should interact with people. Telling people the truth is fine, as long as we know it to be true and not presume it to be. But there is always a place for understanding and compassion. Once again though this chapter has a fitting description of the ultimate futility of evil and how it will lead to destruction here on earth as well as what the future holds for those who are evil. Mostly they have set themselves against God and God must deal with them in a way that is fitting to His character as well as to their correction.
Job 20
These friends fall under the umbrella of the great saying “if you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing”! No matter how sure they are in their opinions and interpretations of Job’s situation they are missing two major points. 1. They are not in prayer seeking God’s answers to their friend’s situation but rather just giving their own. 2. There seems to be no love in their truth; even if they felt that strongly about what they are saying they lack empathy and compassion for their friend who is obviously hurting and experiencing terrible hurt.
A question comes to mind: do these men even know Job?
Job 20
Job 20