These next few chapters (22 to 25) constitute the third cycle of the series of dialogues that Job has with his three friends. This chapter depicts particularly the dangerous talk of Eliphaz who out of his own folly, not only speaks ill of Job but he also tries to interpret to him why God is punishing him.

Eliphaz questions Job in v1-4 whether he has any basis to lament before God. He poses three rhetorical questions to Job whether God will allow such tragic things to happen to someone who is wise (v2), blameless (v3) and fears Him (v4). He implied that it is evident that what Job faced are signs of God’s judgments. He must have done some wrong things or committed some sins against God.

From v5-11, he begins to list out without substantial basis about the many evil acts that Job has carried out. He accuses Job of breaking one law after another law by taking belongings from others (v6); depriving the destitution from water and food (v7); and sending widows and fatherless away without helping them (v9). Eliphaz ends this segment in v10-11 by saying that as a result of violating the laws of God, Job is suffering all these terrible things in his life.

Then from v12-20, Eliphaz accuses Job and says that he is like one of the wicked people. In the way that Job tried to reason out in the last two cycles of conversation, Eliphaz rebukes Job that he is questioning the judgment of God (v13) and is speaking no longer with the fear of God (v17).

In the last segment from v21-30, Eliphaz concludes his human speculation of Job’s predicament. He thought what he had said up till here was compelling enough for Job to agree with him and to repent. Eliphaz refers to God in almost every verse and is so confident that he is absolutely right about God. But chapters later in Job 42:7-9, God rebukes Eliphaz for his foolish and absurd interpreting of Job’s situation, as well as his accusation against Job, His servant.

Dear brothers and sisters, are there times in our life that we behave very much like Eliphaz? You use your human reasoning to either speculate or read too much into what is happening to us or the people around us especially in tough times. Eliphaz serves as a warning for us to be careful.

2 Tim 3:16,17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This is a good reminder for us to read and meditate on the word of God regularly. If we not growing daily in allowing the Holy Spirit to use God’s Word to renew our minds and transform our lives, our default thinking is often being influenced by either our default fleshly wisdom or the values of the world.

PRAYER : Dear God, I acknowledge that I have used/ have been using my own human reasoning to think that I should be doing this matter (specify and tell God the details…). I confess that this is wrong. Thank you for forgiving me of my foolish thinking. I ask that you grant me your heavenly wisdom to do what is in accordance with your will. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.