The First Speech of Eliphaz
December 3, 2022
Commentary
The chapters that follow record a series of discussions between Job and his three friends. They share the same basic theology, and much of what the friends say is generally true. However, their words do not fit Job’s situation. Eliphaz, the oldest and most experienced, is convinced that Job must be guilty of some hidden, unconfessed sin. He believes suffering is always the result of wrong doing and therefore assumes Job is at fault. His confidence comes from years of observation and tradition, not from careful attention to Job’s unique circumstances.
Eliphaz begins by rebuking Job (vv. 1–6), then explains why he firmly believes Job is suffering (vv. 7–11). He supports his ideas by describing a powerful dream or vision (vv. 12–21), which he believes confirms his understanding of God. In his speech, Eliphaz presents four key truths: the righteous are not destroyed while the wicked are punished; all people are imperfect before God; God is not responsible for sin and suffering; and suffering can sometimes instruct and protect the righteous from future wrongdoing in their daily lives.
Eliphaz closes by urging Job to accept these truths and apply them to himself (v. 21). Because Job’s circumstances seem to point to guilt rather than innocence, Eliphaz’s comforting tone slowly turns into accusation, and the conversation becomes tense and painful. Job remains unconvinced, even after Eliphaz adds a personal testimony meant to persuade him. Although much of what Eliphaz says is theologically accurate, it lacks compassion and sensitivity. Truth, when spoken without mercy or understanding, can deepen pain rather than bring comfort or healing. Listening matters as much as speaking wisely. True wisdom begins with humility before another’s suffering.
Application
Do I speak true words without listening carefully? Do I assume I understand their pain too quickly? Eliphaz reminds me that right theology without compassion can harm others. Am I willing to slow down, listen with humility, and show mercy before offering advice in my daily conversations with others?
Job 4:1–21 (NET)
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:
2 “If someone should attempt a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?
3 Look, you have instructed many; you have strengthened feeble hands.
4 Your words have supported those who stumbled, and you have strengthened the knees that gave way.
5 But now the same thing comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are terrified.
6 Is not your piety your confidence, and your blameless ways your hope?
7 Call to mind now: Who, being innocent, ever perished? And where were upright people ever destroyed?
8 Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same.
9 By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of his anger they are consumed.
10 There is the roaring of the lion and the growling of the young lion, but the teeth of the young lions are broken.
11 The mighty lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
12 “Now a word was stealthily brought to me, and my ear caught a whisper of it.
13 In the troubling thoughts of the dreams in the night when a deep sleep falls on men,
14 dread gripped me and trembling, which made all my bones shake.
15 Then a breath of air passes by my face; it makes the hair of my flesh stand up.
16 It stands still, but I cannot recognize its appearance; an image is before my eyes, and I hear a murmuring voice:
17 ‘Is a mortal man righteous before God? Or a man pure before his Creator?
18 If God puts no trust in his servants and attributes folly to his angels,
19 how much more to those who live in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed like a moth?
20 They are destroyed between morning and evening; they perish forever without anyone regarding it.
21 Is not their excess wealth taken away from them? They die, yet without attaining wisdom.’
John Picks up Suspicious Hitchhiker
John was driving home late one night when he picked up a hitchhiker. As they rode along, he began to be suspicious of his passenger. John checked to see if his wallet was safe in the pocket of his coat that was on the seat between them, but it was … Continue