Did Zophar continue the same judgmental defamation, that Job’s suffering was caused by his personal sins? Do we slander others or judge righteously? Let’s begin in Job 11.
Did Zophar criticize Job’s grief as boasting, scoffing, that he was only punished for part of his guilt?
Then Zophar the Naamathite responded, “Shall a multitude of words go unanswered, And a talkative man be acquitted? Shall your boasts silence people? And will you scoff, and no one rebuke? For you have said, ‘My teaching is pure, And I am innocent in your eyes.’ But if only God would speak, And open His lips against you, And show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Know then that God forgets part of your guilt. (Job 11:1-6 NASB)
Did Zophar then try to teach Job a lesson about God’s majesty?
Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. (Job 11:7-9 NIV)
Did Zophar also see Job as deceitful, wicked, empty-headed like a wild colt?
If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him? For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man. (Job 11:10-12 NKJV)
Did Zophar urge Job to leave his sins behind, and his face would brighten, he would forget his misery, have hope?
If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death. (Job 11:13-20 NLT)
What did Jesus say about defamatory judgmentalism? What did He say about valid judgment, discerning who acts like dogs, pigs or false prophets? Was Zophar’s opinion wrong?
Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye. Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces … Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. (Mat 7:1-6, 15 WEB)
Did Zophar continue the same judgmental defamation, that Job’s suffering was caused by his personal sins? Do we slander others or judge righteously? You decide!
