Avoiding Abominations; Job 11-12; Proverbs 6

May the mumbling commence!

Oh, boy!  This sounds all too familiar after this political election campaign.  A visit to comfort becomes verbal smack down.  Read what Zophar says to Job, and then read how Job responds:

Zophar: "Should not the multitude of words be answered?

And should a man full of talk be vindicated? 

Should your empty talk make men hold their peace?

And when you mock, should no one rebuke you? 

For you have said, 'My doctrine is pure,

And I am clean in your eyes.' 

But oh, that God would speak,

And open His lips against you, 

That He would show you the secrets of wisdom!

For they would double your prudence.

Know therefore that God exacts from you

Less than your iniquity deserves.” (11:2-6)

Job: "No doubt you are the people,

And wisdom will die with you! 

But I have understanding as well as you;

I am not inferior to you.

Indeed, who does not know such things as these? (12:2-3)

Where is the comfort in the words of Zophar?  They seem aimed at tearing down rather than comforting or building up.  Zophar basically tells Job that he is full of hot air – empty talk, and a lot of it.  He claims that Job mocks, but what it is that Zophar is doing in these words?  I would call it mocking and degrading. 

He says that Job’s prudence would double with God’s guidance.  While that may be true, how much would Zophar’s prudence increase with the aid of God?!?  Zophar says God punishes Job less than his iniquity deserves.  That, too, may be true – but it is also true of every human being that has lived upon the earth (apart of Jesus the Christ).

It is no wonder that Job’s response is dripping with sarcasm and loathing.  Wisdom will die with you.  You, da’ man!  Really – you only say what everyone already knows.  And you say these words of wisdom at the expense of a vulnerable and suffering friend.  With friends like you, I don’t need any enemies. 

Is it any wonder that this backbiting and contention reminded me of the political state of our country?  Our God is a God of love, but there are things that God hates.  Read from Proverbs chapter six:

These six things the Lord hates,

Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 

A proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood, 

A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil, 

A false witness who speaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.

(Verses 16-19)

Let us shudder and avoid the temptation to prideful notions, to lies and deceit, to shedding innocent blood, to chase after evil, and to sow discord among the children of God.

 

Enough mumbling for now… 

Peace Out