Job 11

Job 11:1-20

With a friend like Zophar, Job has no need for an enemy. As the harshest of the three friends, Zophar believes he possesses all the solutions, yet he delivers them as stinging condemnations. While some of the principles he espouses are correct, his application is brutal. Zophar even implies that Eliphaz and Bildad failed to reach Job because they did not silence or rebuke him sufficiently. He represents the "angry religious person" who rants against perceived evil, thinking that venting will solve the problem.

While Job asserts that his suffering is disproportionate to his sin, Zophar argues the opposite, claiming that Job actually deserved worse. In verse 6, the phrase "wisdom is double," or "wisdom and justice are double deep," is another way of saying that there is a deeper wisdom behind the known wisdom.

Zophar then speaks about the incredible depth of God’s wisdom. This presents a challenge we still face today: false teachers often mix accurate information with falsehoods. Zophar’s description of God in verses 7-12 is beautiful and accurate, yet it illustrates how truth can be misused to lead others astray.

Regarding Zophar’s advice and motivation, he insists that Job must repent of the "secret sins" in his life to end his suffering (v. 14). Zophar promises that if Job does this, he will prosper, reinforcing his belief that peace and wealth are the ultimate proofs of righteousness.

"Lord, protect me from mixing truth with my own misguided opinions. AMEN.