Eliphaz concludes his monologue that began last chapter. It contains three parts – an overview on foolishness (aimed at Job, no doubt), an overview of God’s power, and an overview of God’s love, grace and mercy as He corrects those who are humble before Him. There’s a lot of good material here, but we’ll focus on the third section.
” ‘Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. In famine he will deliver you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes. You will know that your tent is secure; you will take stock of your property and find nothing missing. You will know that your children will be many, and your descendants like the grass of the earth.’ ” (v17-18,20-21,24-25)
Eliphaz might mean well with these words, but they come off as a back-handed encouragement / condemnation of Job (ie. Job screwed up, so he’s being corrected by God). Reframed in a different context with a different attitude, these could actually be encouraging words.
Though we don’t know for sure Eliphaz had a holier-than-thou or know-it-all attitude behind these words, his closing statement certainly implies he has all the answers and Job screwed up: “We have examined this, and it is true. So hear it and apply it to yourself.” (v27) Did Eliphaz bother to find out if Job had indeed sinned against God before launching into this speech? That’s like going up to someone, telling them they stink and need a shower, without bothering to find out that they have hyperhidrosis.
Eliphaz’S approach could use a little fine-tuning. Jesus handles correction very differently: “The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and… said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.’ …[Jesus] …said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’ …they went away one by one… Jesus… said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’ ” (Jn 8:1-11 abr)
Though Jesus could have enforced the law and joined in stoning this woman who had sinned, He takes a far more compassionate approach. He forgives the woman, and gently encourages her to repent of her sin (turn away from it and do it no more). Jesus is simply present with the woman, by her side until the mob disperses, and then addresses her sin one-on-one in the gentlest way possible, probably with a warm and reassuring smile on His face.
Even if Job’s circumstances were a result of his sin, which they were not, Eliphaz still could have revised his long, condemning speech to begin like this: “Hey buddy, I realize that life is really hard for you right now, and I can’t begin to understand how you’re feeling. Remember how God has always provided for you in times of need, and He heals those who are suffering? We can trust He’ll do that again in this situation, because He loves you very much. I’m here to listen if you want to talk, because I care about you too.” No assumptions, no judgments, no condemnation, just compassion for a friend. Then, if Job confessed some sin that would explain his circumstances, Eliphaz could have offered that final part of his speech. It wasn’t necessary to lead with an assumption of Job’s guilt, especially since it was incorrect.
My encouragement for today is to be loving and compassionate toward everyone, with a desire to support them first, then, if necessary, gently correct them later. In our current world circumstances, we need to support one another, far more than we need to condemn each other. Blamin ang guilt-tripping are not going to help the situation, but compassion and encouragement certainly can. Let’s build people up rather than tear them down, since it’s the Christlike thing to do.
Father God, our Almighty Lord and Sovereign King, You are abounding in mercy and grace. Thank you for the gift of salvation from sin. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, through whom we can bear much fruit, including love, patience, kindness, goodness and gentleness. Father please help us to live like Jesus, showing endless compassion to those around us. May we love our neighbor, only correcting them in gentleness as the Spirit leads. Father please help us to build up and edify all that are within our circle of influence, especially in this time of great trial. In the name of Jesus, the one who set the flawless example of love, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training