Confrontation
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In Chapter 11 of Job, Zophar takes a turn talking to Job. All of his close friends will talk to Job before the book is done...and sadly none of them will offer him the truth. There are some things about Zophar that are commendable though. Zophar believes that he is giving correct advice and as such he doesn't pull any punches. Too often in today's world we are so concerned about hurting people's feelings that we shy away from speaking the truth. Job has claimed to have done nothing to deserve his great suffering...and he is correct, yet Zophar doesn't believe him. Zophar says, "should empty talk make men hold their peace". In other words, Zophar is going to tell Job what he believes to be true regardless of what Job has said. Now, the only problem with Zophar is that even though he believed he was right, he was not. Zophar therefore gives Job really bad advice. Job is suffering at the hand of Satan and through no fault of his own, and Zophar tells Job to repent.
Let us be more like Zophar in that we are willing to confront people with truth even when it is uncomfortable. Let us, unlike Zophar, be sure it is truth before we confront people.
JOB 11
[11:1] Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said: [2] “Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated? [3] Should your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, should no one rebuke you? [4] For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.’ [5] But oh, that God would speak, And open His lips against you, [6] That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves. [7] “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? [8] They are higher than heaven— what can you do? Deeper than Sheol— what can you know? [9] Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea. [10] “If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him? [11] For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? [12] For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey's colt is born a man. [13] “If you would prepare your heart, And stretch out your hands toward Him; [14] If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents; [15] Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear; [16] Because you would forget your misery, And remember it as waters that have passed away, [17] And your life would be brighter than noonday. Though you were dark, you would be like the morning. [18] And you would be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety. [19] You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid; Yes, many would court your favor. [20] But the eyes of the wicked will fail, And they shall not escape, And their hope—loss of life!”
