In this chapter Eliphaz speaks for the second time, rebuking Job even more harshly than when he last he spoke.
” ‘Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? Should he argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which he can do no good? But you are doing away with the fear of God and hindering meditation before God. For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the tongue of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; your own lips testify against you. Are the comforts of God too small for you, or the word that deals gently with you?’ ” (v2-6,11)
Eliphaz outright accuses Job of many sins, including folly, empty talk, rebelling against God, pride, lack of prayer, deception, etc. Eliphaz also has the opinion that he, Bildad and Zophar are the mouthpieces of God, offering Job consolation and correction in this difficult time, yet Job refuses to listen to their words. It seems that he is blind to his own sin, just as he has accused Job of being blind to his.
How often are we so convinced of someone else’s guilt, that we are blind to our own? I used to do this all of the time, and still do occasionally – I have “righteous anger” with someone over their sin, without first dealing with my own sin. This is a common pitfall of the flesh (sinful nature) – to think others are in the wrong, while justifying our own sins in our own eyes. We may even call ourselves “God’s mouthpieces” when we try to “help” someone else recognize their sin.
Jesus and Paul had some things to say about judging others. “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Mt 7:3; see also Mt 7:1-5) “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” (Rm 14:10,12-13)
My encouragement for today is first focus on eliminating any sin in our own life, and if we see someone else living in sin, simply love them (listen, console, encourage) – it is God’s place to judge them, not ours. If Jesus did not condemn people for their sin, then we certainly do not have that authority. Through our Christlike love for that person, and our own upright example of living, they will hopefully come to understand the love and forgiveness of Jesus – we want our testimony to be uplifting, not condemning. By living a Christlike example we can gently show them the “error of their ways”, without slapping them in the face with accusations and judgments (as Eliphaz did to Job).
Father God, our holy King in Heaven, great, mighty and righteous is Your name. Father thank you for forgiving our sin, and thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide us throughout our days. May we learn to rely on the wisdom and discernment of the Spirit to remove any sin and stumbling blocks that mar our relationship with You, so that we may live as Christlike examples in this world. Jesus, would You please love others through us in such a way they are encouraged to call You Lord and seek a personal relationship with You. We cannot do this without You. All honor, glory and praise be to You our Savior and King, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training