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CHAPTER 11 (ESV)

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

2 “Should a multitude of words go unanswered,

and a man full of talk be judged right?

3 Should your babble silence men,

and when you mock, shall no one shame you?

4 For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure,

and I am clean in God’s eyes.’

5 But oh, that God would speak

and open his lips to you,

6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!

For he is manifold in understanding.

Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.

REFLECTION:

Zophar was Job’s third friend and the most arrogant. He slammed Job and even thought that Job deserved more punishment. Zophar took the same position as Elifa and Bildad, the first two friends, and believed that Job suffered as a result of his sins. Zophar’s words were more intense. Although Zophar’s conclusion was wrong, his words did contain some truth. Zophar accused Job of hidden sins. Of course, as a person, Job could not be completely innocent, so Zophar’s accusation held, but this was not the reason for Job’s suffering. Zophar pointed out quite sharply that God has insight into all our hidden sins. The word of God is faster than all swords. It can split our souls and joints and expose the most unspeakable parts of our hearts under the sun. Zophar seemed to be a person who held judgments on everything, but instead of comforting Job, his judgment hurt Job deeply. We should learn from the negative example of Zophar and keep in mind what the Lord Jesus teaches. Don’t judge people, lest we be judged, and we should treat people with mercy and compassion.

PRAYER:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.  As you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that comes to your mind into your devotional journal.

HYMN:

Mighty to Save – www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVnyBp_CudA