Zophar’s Second Attack On Job Series

-- Job is saying that they are NOT listening to him (v1-2)

-- They might hear his words … but they are not comprehending them

- So, let me talk a bit … and then you can criticize me some more

-- APP: There is such a thing as destructive criticism; perfect example here

- Job reminds them that his complaint is NOT directed at man (v4)

-- He is not complaining so a man can come and make it better

-- He is not saying he has been wronged by man and needs justice

-- IMP: Job’s complaint is with God, and His silence frustrates me!

- He says his friends ought to be appalled at his appearance (v5)

-- It should make them cover their mouths and be silent in all this

-- Even when Job considers it, it (his ordeal and state) terrifies him (v6)

- Job’s friends have charged that the wicked do not prosper

-- His response is to disagree with this with very clear examples (v7-16)

• Why do the wicked live on; growing old and increasing in power?

• They see their children established around them,

• Their homes are safe and free from fear;

• Their bulls never fail to breed;

• They send forth their children as a flock;

• They sing to the music of timbrel and lyre;

• They spend their years in prosperity

- The wicked, Job says, even go so far as to insult God!! (re-read v14-15)

-- But they do not realize that their prosperity is under God’s control (v16)

-- APP: All that they have is because God allows it, even if they deny it!

- Job clearly acknowledges that death is for all (wicked and righteous)

-- There is none who escapes one day dying (v17-26)

-- And yes, God stores up a punishment for his sons … and the wicked

- His admission is that all of existence is under God’s authority

-- Therefore, Job doesn’t need to be lectured about what men deserve

-- We all deserve death, we are all sinners, so why is Job being attacked?

- Job is a faithful man who in the previous message stately clearly his desire

-- Turn back to Job 19 and read Job 19:25-27

-- His position and want has not changed; his faith is solidified in God

- He says the wicked do succeed in life; and are even buried with honor (v28-29)

-- Who holds them to account? Who keeps them honest? Not man, but God!

-- They are buried in wonderful fashion, they DO seem to live perfect lives

- So, (asking) how could you guys ever console me? (v34)

-- All you have to offer is foolishness (v3), and in that are lies upon lies

-- APP: Job’s anger is pretty clear here, esp. to these friends of his

- TRANS: Let’s end this today by reminding ourselves of this…

Big Idea: Your response to hurting people STILL matters!

- CRITICAL: Grace is what you received when you didn’t deserve it

- When we are consoling, grace should be given before condemnation

-- Even in correction, mercy can be shown … with instruction to change

- Job’s friends have totally missed this concept … prayerfully we won’t too

-- Consider how you talk to people this week, does it look like this?

-- Those we encounter need love more than our judgment … let’s share love!

-- Pray

References: Holman OT Commentary, Job