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Job's Reply to Zophar
If You Want To Offer Comfort
1Job said:
2If you want to offer comfort,
then listen to me.
3And when I have finished,
you can start your insults
all over again.
4My complaint is against God;
that's why I am impatient.
5Just looking at me is enough
to make you sick,
6and the very thought of myself
fills me with disgust.
7Why do evil people live so long
and gain such power?
8Why are they allowed to see
their children grow up?
9They have no worries at home,
and God never punishes them.
10Their cattle have lots of calves
without ever losing one;
11their children play and dance
safely by themselves.
12These people sing and celebrate
to the sound of tambourines,
small harps, and flutes,
13and they are successful,
without a worry,
until the day they die.
Leave Us Alone!
14Those who are evil say
to God All-Powerful,
“Leave us alone! Don't bother us
with your teachings.
15What do we gain from praying
and worshiping you?
16We succeeded all on our own.”
And so, I keep away from them
and their evil schemes.
17How often does God become angry
and send disaster and darkness
to punish sinners?
18How often does he strike them
like a windstorm
that scatters straw?
19You say, “God will punish
those sinners' children
in place of those sinners.”
But I say, “Let him punish
those sinners themselves
until they really feel it.
20Let God All-Powerful force them
to drink their own destruction
from the cup of his anger.
21Because after they are dead,
they won't care what happens
to their children.”
Who Can Tell God
22Who can tell God what to do?
He judges powerful rulers.
* 23Some of us die prosperous,
24enjoying good health,
25while others die in poverty,
having known only pain.
26But we all end up dead,
beneath a blanket of worms.
27My friends, I know that you
are plotting against me.
28You ask, “Where is the home
of that important person
who does so much evil?”
29Everyone, near and far, agrees
30that those who do wrong
never suffer disaster,
when God becomes angry.
31No one points out their sin
or punishes them.
32Then at their funerals,
they are highly praised;
33the earth welcomes them home,
while crowds mourn.
34But empty, meaningless words
are the comfort you offer me.
Reflect
There’s a marvellous comparison between Zophar’s fundamental simplicity that writes off the wicked in virtually a single stroke, and Job’s thoughtful exploration of human nature in relationship to God.
I want, says Job, to do my thinking in the presence of God, as a conversation partner with God. I’ve got more to think of here than just a shouting match with you, Zophar. So listen up!
You’re wrong about how terrible the lives of the wicked are. More often than not, they’re doing just fine, thank you very much. They’re wealthy: they have great families and their kids are brilliant; they live in wealth and die in peace. They tell God to leave them alone, and he does.
What’s not to like about that!
They get away with everything and they last. They never seem to have to handle the consequences of their actions. They’re home free. And even if there is a common destination for all humankind, for rich and poor alike, for righteous and sinful alike, then at least the wicked can lie down in peace and plenty.
There’s absolutely no point, says Job, in trying to “comfort” me with your theology of the wicked. They are doing fine, thank you very much.
But that’s not me! I’m not doing fine, thank you very much.
Now let’s make this personal, says Job. Your argument, Zophar, that my miseries are a proof of my sin is patently wrong, for sinners seem to have the most delightful and successful lives you can imagine. Your accusations that I am under judgment and wrath because I am one of the wicked is wrong. “There’s nothing left of your answers but falsehood.” (v34)
Respond
Oh Lord, it is really difficult to understand how bad people can get away with so much and good people find themselves in trauma and trouble. It is hard to see why wealthy people seem to lead such wonderful and carefree lives when they don’t deserve it and poor people are so often downtrodden and marginalized when they don’t deserve it. Grant us understanding; and a fierce trust in you.
Michael Pountney
From the Merchant Navy to Moldova, Michael’s career has had a transatlantic diversity. High School language teacher and youth leader in the UK; IVCF staff at universities in BC and Divisional Director in Ontario; Parish Priest in Montreal and Toronto; Principal of Wycliffe College at the U. of T; IFES staff working with leaders in the former Soviet Republic. Retired in Victoria, Michael continues to help plant Anglican Network churches and mentor young leaders. Publications: Bob Goethe and Michael Pountney: “Mars and Venus Go To Church” (2010: Faith Today); Michael Pountney, “At A Distance: Encouragement For Cautious Christians” (2006: Essence Publishing, Belleville, Ontario); “Searching For Home” (2003: GLIA Moldova); Don Posterski and Michael Pountney; “Reconciliation: Seeking Restored Relationships” 2000: Institute For Christian Leadership Formation, World Vision International, Monrovia, California); Michael Pountney, “Getting A Job” (1984: InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois)