06.27.2014 Old Testament: Job 11.1–4

To read the Bible in a year, read Job 10–12 on June 27, In the year of our Lord 2014

By Don Ruhl

Did Job say somethings out of line with the truth? Yes, he did. However, Satan baptized the poor man in suffering. Can we have compassion on such a person who says things that are not quite right, especially when that person is suffering? Listen to Zophar speak to his friend. Is this compassionate talk?

Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

“Should not the multitude of words be answered?
And should a man full of talk be vindicated?
Should your empty talk make men hold their peace?
And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?
For you have said,
‘My doctrine is pure,
And I am clean in your eyes.’”
(Job 11.1–4) 

Here is the thing about Zophar, this is the first time that he spoke to his friend since Job suffered a massive attack from Satan, as revealed in the first two chapters. Zophar did well to sit for seven days with Job and to remain silent. However, Zophar heard things that provoked his spirit, moving him to respond harshly toward his friend Job.

Surely, you have heard someone saying things that were off. When that happens again, try to think on what provoked that person to so respond. Open your heart to that person’s life and see what they see in the way that they see it.