Job 11 Zophar’s First Response to Job
“Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job: “Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking? Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed?”
Oh dear! So far, Job has heard from Eliphaz and Bildad; now Zophar is weighing in. Look at Zophar’s horrible accusations! Job has been glorifying God even as he has been begging God to simply allow him to die. Hasn’t Zophar been listening? Evidently not, for Zophar is accusing Job of babbling.
“You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’ and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’ If only God would speak;
if only he would tell you what he thinks! If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom,
for true wisdom is not a simple matter. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!”
Good old Zophar! Never mind that he has no idea how much Job has been suffering. Zophar is absolutely certain that he knows best and that God is punishing Job. Zophar is so arrogant that he is sure Job even deserves worse punishment than he has already suffered. What more punishment can Job possibly undergo? But Zophar continues.
“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld—what do you know? It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea.” Oh joy! Yet another person spouting off verbiage about God. Obviously, Zophar has not been paying the slightest attention to anything Job has been saying. Zophar is one of those guys who sits jiggling his leg nervously, waiting impatiently for you to finish what you’re saying so he can make his pronouncements.
“If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him? For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins. An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.” Great! Now Zophar is implying that Job is empty-headed, foolish, and false. But this is a man who has enjoyed a spotless reputation in the community for years, so when has he changed? Community members are generally quite sharp when it comes to detecting frauds, and there are no secrets in a small town. Besides that, if Job is so terrible, then why has Zophar bothered to sit for seven days and nights grieving with him? Was all that effort simply for show?
“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.”
Once more, Job is confronted with a self-styled friend who wants to redeem any vicious remarks made previously by mouthing pious sentiments about God. Too bad Zophar hasn’t had the good sense to simply remain quiet. Here’s Job, still sitting in ashes, scraping those blisters draining foul-smelling pus, losing weight because nothing tastes good, and trying to get some relief from the pain. Now Job must counter all these ridiculous accusations. What can Job do?
There are times when we are accused unjustly that we cannot do anything. Faced with those who seize on anything we say and attempt to twist it to prove our guilt, the best choice is silence. It’s human to want to respond and to argue; however, sometimes arguments accomplish nothing. We have the advantage over Job in that we have the example of Jesus. 1 Peter 2:21-23 tells us, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”
Many times, we have no choice except to leave matters to God. Psalm 75:6-7 tells us, “For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.” We want so much to defend ourselves, but God is the only One who can change hearts. So, upon receiving vicious criticism, examine it to see if there’s any truth in it. Then after that examination, give it to God.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to counter unjust criticism and insults with holy silence. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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