Read Job 5:1-27
Job’s friend Eliphaz has a lot to say. But Job may or may not be ready for all that Eliphaz unleashes in this speech. I don’t think Eliphaz is properly equipped to be a grief counselor giving Job advice. Eliphaz all but calls Job a fool, guilting Job for all the success he once had.
Eliphaz makes a lot of assumptions here. First that there are only two human conditions, righteous and wicked. Based on what has happened to Job, he must now be wicked. Also, that getting right with God is the answer. Suggesting more introspection and self-discovery about his own sinfulness will only push Job further into despair.
When Eliphaz starts spouting off about God’s attributes, he says nothing untrue. It’s like he’s defending God, but this is not God’s fault. We can be sure these truths about God would not be new information to Job, but as reminders they are simply not helpful in this moment. Eliphaz did better just sitting quietly and sharing in Job’s despair.
What did you think when Eliphaz said this? “But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.” We have not been told about Job’s sins. In fact, from the glowing reports we have from the conversation between God and Satan, Job is a good guy. In Chapter 1, God said this about Job, “He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” Eliphaz didn’t know God felt this way about Job any more than Job did.
Eliphaz probably thought he was doing Job a favor. Many times the correct answer to our problems is, “get right with God.” In other words, “repent.” That was the response God was looking for time and again with his people. God used prophets to get that message across to his people, even though they didn’t always listen. But here, Job was the last person who needed to repent.
Eliphaz then breaks into a series of “You will” statements that are even more distressing. Eliphaz believed that all Job needed to do was humble himself before God. The lure Eliphaz was using was a promise of restoration if only Job would repent. Repent for what? Job struggled with this greatly I’m sure.
Did Eliphaz really think he was being helpful? Apparently so. He ended this speech with these words. “We have studied life and found all this to be true. Listen to my counsel, and apply it to yourself.” He thinks he is speaking truth. The words Eliphaz is speaking are not “untrue” or wrong, they are simply not applicable to Job’s present state.
Have you ever found yourself put in a position of “counselor” to a friend in need? Do feel like God led you into that moment? If God calls us to something that will further his kingdom (like helping a friend in need), we can be sure he will equip us for that good work. It all starts with knowing God through his Word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” I wonder if Eliphaz was acting a little more on his own power when he was trying to “help” Job? Don’t ever forget to lean in on God’s power to help you through any circumstance of life.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you that you have me securely in your grasp. When troubles come, I have confidence in you. I come to you and ask for your help in making the right decisions in my life. I know your wisdom is without measure. Help me to see how you have equipped me so I can live in your will. I thank you for the passion you have ignited in my soul. May it be contagious and overflow to those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
