“Zophar and Job dialogue.”

Job 11 -13 Have you ever met someone who is what we call a “know-it-all?” That would be a fitting description of Zophar. First, he denigrates Job. You said your teaching is flawless and pure in God’s sight, but if you are so wise, you must know that behind this circumstance, you stand convicted of sin.   Remember, there are two sides to the wisdom coin; earthly and true. [James 3] Job reminds Zophar that God is key to understanding which wisdom is revealed.  Is Zophar only looking at the earthly side of that coin? Zophar claims that God has only forgiven only some of Job’s sins, so he needs to relinquish his pride and seek God’s face for forgiveness.

Job tells Zophar: you are just like the so-called experts who extol their wisdom while alive, but when they die, so goes their wisdom. What God determines will come to pass regardless if we are wise or not. Instead we ought to pray: “keep me back from presumptive sins.” [Ps 19:13]  Zophar would be prudent to heed those words.

Job says this has not happened because of my sin. Instead, God is orchestrating it for His purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28] Job will continue to trust God.

  There are two life principles here: (1) don’t presume you understand God’s ways for some are revealed and some are hidden; [Deut 29:29] (2) remain faithful to God even in the hard times.