What we learn from Eliphaz, who was Job’s friend, is that he appeared to be righteous and sounded godly, but was not even close on the inside. What he said to Job would make many people feel hurt and offended. He didn’t care to listen to Job, but only thought the worst of him in his trying times. Just listen to how he spoke to Job. He said, 1“should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God. For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty. Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee. Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills? Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?” (Job 15:2-8) Do you hear any desire to help Job here? No. His desires were to accuse him of having vain knowledge, unprofitable talk, nothing good in what he says, and saying he is restraining from praying to God. He then said that Job is condemning himself in what he says, of which everything he says is testifying against him. Eliphaz didn’t have any desire to really hear Job, but to only accuse him of thinking he is better than others in his own wisdom. And what is interesting is that I get this all the time when I try talking to people about Jesus, who claim to be Christian. Many of them also treat me just like Eliphaz treated Job.
Eliphaz then said the following to Job, 1“why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at, that thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth? What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?” (Job 15:12-16) 1“The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor. A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.” (Job 15:20,21) 1“For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.” (Job 15:34,35) This is so sad to read, knowing that Eliphaz did not know that Job’s heart was right with God the whole time. Job was into mischief. He was not a wicked man, but feared God and walked in His righteousness. And remember that there is only one reason why Eliphaz thought and said all of this. It is because Job lost everything, except for his wife. So we have a false teaching here, in that many people believe that just because a person is going through a job loss, financial issues, a sickness, or death in the family, then it has to be because they have sinned against God. This is so wrong and will never help a person who only desires comfort from his friends and family. So if you love God, never let this belief enter your heart.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that I and other fellow Christians will be slow to speak and quick to call upon Your Name for what to say to people. Many times I have put my foot in my mouth by what I have said to people and I am so sorry. I did not wish to hurt or offend anyone but still did this because of my vain wisdom and pride. The only thing these people wanted was to have a little encouragement and instead, I instilled in them fear, animosity, and heartache. Wow, how far did I fall in these times of pride. I needed to be humbled and You did this for me. Truly, this was me seeking my own wisdom outside of Yours, and I am so sorry Lord. Thankfully, You have taken me from this place and changed me from within. Now, I am able to hear people out and not say things that I know will hurt them in return. Instead, I am able to respond to people’s questions and concerns with love and comfort. I may not agree with certain people’s belief systems because they are unbiblical, but I do know that what they believe in means the world to them. Therefore, it is my only desire to instill in people like this new wisdom from above. Not to put any people down, but to bring them all to know You, Jesus. And when people are suffering because of sickness, death, loss of a job, financial issues, and more, I will go to them with Your presence with me. Even as I am caring for their needs, I pray that they will see You in me. May every person that is suffering be comforted in Your mighty Name, Jesus. I love You, Lord. You are the way the truth and the life. I give You the praise, Jesus. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
