The First Speech of Zophar
November 30, 2021
Commentary
Job has heard two points of the sermon from his friends: Man is sinful (Eliphaz), and God is just (Bildad). Zophar, the youngest of Job’s three friends, now adds a third point: God punishes sin, yet He gives less punishment than we deserve. Zophar speaks very directly and sharply. After hearing both his friends’ and Job’s bitter replies, he sees everything as black or white. He assumes Job suffers because of sin. He dislikes Job’s attitude and views him as a disrespectful, complaining old man. He believes suffering must always be the clear result of personal wrongdoing, without exception. He does not pause to consider that righteous people may also endure unexplained trials in this life.
Zophar may be described as a man of worldly wisdom and common sense. He accuses Job of lying and hypocrisy and almost waits for God to judge him (vv. 1–6). While Job feels God has been too harsh, Zophar argues God has been too easy. He declares a profound truth (vv. 7–10): no one can fully discov-er God; God must reveal Himself. We know only what He chooses to show us about His character and ways. Yet he uses this true statement to silence Job rather than to comfort him.
Zophar even calls Job empty-headed. He says Job has no more chance of becoming wise than a wild donkey giving birth to a man (vv. 11–12). Zophar answers Job’s words but ignores his pain, and that is his mistake. He urges Job to repent and turn from wickedness. He promises that if Job repents, God will forgive, restore, and remove fear and suffering (vv. 13–20). Yet he warns that without repentance, Job will perish (v. 20). His confidence sounds strong, but it lacks compassion and careful understanding of Job’s deep suffering and emotional distress within.
Application
Do I speak like Zophar when I see someone suffering? Am I quick to judge and slow to listen? I may know true words about God, but do I use them to comfort or to silence? Can I show compassion first, remembering that only God sees the full story of every hurting person? Before I correct others, I must examine my heart.
Job 11:1–20 (NET)
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:
2 “Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?
3 Should people remain silent at your idle talk, and should no one rebuke you when you mock?
4 For you have said, ‘My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.’
5 But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you,
6 and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom— for true wisdom has two sides — so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.
7 “Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty?
8 It is higher than the heavens—what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol —what can you know?
9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10 If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him?
11 For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it?
12 But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey’s colt is born a human being.
13 “As for you, if you prove faithful, and if you stretch out your hands toward him,
14 if iniquity is in your hand—put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents.
15 For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear.
16 For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away.
17 And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning.
18 And you will be secure, because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety.
19 You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will seek your favor.
20 But the eyes of the wicked fail, and escape eludes them; their one hope is to breathe their last.”
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