1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:
2 “Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right,
or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?
4 Is it for your fear of him that he reproves you
and enters into judgment with you?
5 Is not your evil abundant? There is no end to your iniquities.
6 For you have exacted pledges of your brothers for nothing and stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 You have given no water to the weary to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry.
8 But the earth belongs to God; he covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless were crushed.
10 Therefore snares are all around you,
and sudden terror overwhelms you,
11 or darkness, so that you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you.
12 “Is not God high in the heavens?
See the highest stars, how lofty they are!
13 But you say, ‘What does God know? Can he judge through the deep darkness?
14 Thick clouds veil him, so that he does not see,
and he walks on the vault of heaven.’
15 Will you keep to the old way
that wicked men have trod?
16 They were snatched away before their time; their foundation was washed away.
17 They said to God, ‘Depart from us,’
and ‘What can the Almighty do to us?’
18 Yet he filled their houses with good things—
but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
19 The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent one mocks them,
20 saying, ‘Surely our adversaries are cut off, and what they left the fire has consumed.’
21 “Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.
22 Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.
23 If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents,
24 and assign your gold to the dust, your gold of Ophir to the stones of the torrent-bed.
25 Then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver.
26 For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty
and lift up your face to God.
27 You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you,
and you will pay your vows.
28 You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.
29 When men are cast down, then you shall say, ‘There is lifting up’; and he will save the lowly.
30 He will deliver even one who is not innocent,
who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”
The True Meaning of Job 22
The book of Job is believed to have been written by the prophet Job himself, though some scholars attribute it to an anonymous author. Job was a righteous man who faced immense suffering and trials, yet remained steadfast in his faith in God. Job and his friend Eliphaz continue their dialogue in this chapter. Eliphaz, one of Job’s three companions, offers his perspective on the reasons behind Job’s misfortunes. He makes bold accusations, suggesting that Job’s suffering is a consequence of his own wrongdoings. However, as we will see, Eliphaz’s assumptions are not entirely accurate, and his words will ultimately fail to provide the comfort and understanding that Job so desperately needs.
Throughout this passage, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a humble and righteous heart, even in the face of adversity. The book of Job encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom and to seek His guidance, even when the reasons for our trials are not immediately apparent.
Job 22:1-4
Eliphaz the Temanite in Job 22:1-4 begins speaking again, addressing Job with a tone that is accusatory and critical. Eliphaz questions if Job thinks he is righteous because he is being afflicted. Eliphaz accuses Job of being focused solely on his righteousness and making God’s judgment about his own actions, implying that Job believes he is somehow above reproach and beyond the need for repentance. Eliphaz insinuates that Job’s piety is merely for his own benefit and that he is not truly seeking to honor God.
Eliphaz’s words in these verses are significant as they reveal a common misconception about suffering and righteousness. Eliphaz, like many others at that time, believed in the concept of retributive justice, where good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. Eliphaz’s belief in this strict cause-and-effect relationship led him to falsely accuse Job of hidden sin as the reason for his suffering.
This passage serves as a reminder that our understanding of God’s ways is limited, and we should be cautious not to judge others based on our own perceptions of righteousness and justice. It also highlights the importance of humility and avoiding self-righteousness in our relationship with God and others. The story of Job challenges the idea of a direct correlation between prosperity and righteousness, showing that sometimes the most righteous individuals may face the greatest trials. Job’s story stands out as a profound example of faith and perseverance in the face of extreme suffering in the grand narrative of the Bible. Job’s unwavering trust in God, even when facing unimaginable loss and pain, serves as an inspiration for believers throughout the ages. Job’s story is a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God and the complexity of His ways, showing that even in the midst of suffering, God remains faithful and just. Job’s story ultimately reveals that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin, in contrast to Eliphaz’s misguided beliefs. Job’s suffering was not a punishment for his wrongdoing but a test of his faith and a means through which God’s glory was ultimately revealed. Job’s story invites readers to reflect on the nature of suffering, the character of God, and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith even in the darkest of times. Job 22:1-4 serves as a pivotal moment in the dialogue between Job and his friends, highlighting the tension between human understanding of suffering and divine wisdom. It challenges us to trust in God’s sovereignty and to resist the temptation to judge others based on our limited perspective. This passage in the broader context of the Bible contributes to the exploration of themes such as suffering, righteousness, and the mystery of God’s ways, offering valuable insights and lessons for believers seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of God’s plan.
Job 22:5-11
Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends who came to offer him counsel during his time of suffering, speaks to Job in Job 22:5-11. Eliphaz starts by posing a rhetorical question, “Is not your wickedness great and your iniquities without end?” Eliphaz, along with Job’s other friends, mistakenly believes that Job’s suffering is a result of his sin. Eliphaz is suggesting that perhaps Job’s suffering is due to some hidden sins that he has not confessed or repented of. This mindset reflects the common belief during that time that suffering was a direct consequence of sin, a belief that Jesus also addressed in the New Testament (John 9:1-3).
Eliphaz continues by listing a series of accusations against Job, describing how he took pledges without clothing the naked, did not give water to the weary, withheld bread from the hungry, and sent away widows empty-handed. Eliphaz is essentially accusing Job of neglecting his social responsibilities and failing to show compassion to those in need. These accusations are particularly harsh considering Job’s known reputation for being a righteous and generous man prior to his suffering (Job 1:1-5).
Eliphaz then goes on to warn Job about the consequences of his actions, stating that “snares are all around you and sudden terror terrifies you.” Eliphaz is painting a picture of a bleak future for Job, suggesting that if he doesn’t repent and change his ways, more calamity will befall him. This reflects a common belief in the Old Testament that disobedience to God would lead to punishment and destruction (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
Despite Eliphaz’s misguided beliefs and accusations, his words serve as a reminder of the importance of living a life of righteousness and showing compassion towards others. Job’s story, as a whole, challenges the notion that suffering is always a result of personal sin and illustrates the complexities of human suffering. The Book of Job ultimately highlights the need for humility before God, trust in His sovereignty, and the importance of persevering in faith even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Job 22:12-20
Several key sections in Job 22:12-20 highlight the theme of the unwavering faithfulness of God towards His people despite their circumstances. The passage begins with Eliphaz stating, “Is not God in the height of heaven? And see the highest stars, how lofty they are!” (Job 22:12). This rhetorical question serves to emphasize the omnipresence and sovereignty of God. Eliphaz is trying to remind Job of the greatness and majesty of God, suggesting that if God is so high and exalted, He is beyond human comprehension and cannot be questioned in His ways. This reflects the idea found throughout the Bible that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9) and that we must trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.
Eliphaz continues to accuse Job of being wicked and sinful, implying that the reason for Job’s suffering is his own wrongdoing. He says, “Are not the pinnacles of the heavens able to be seen by us? But the stars are high above us” (Job 22:14). Eliphaz’s argument is based on the common belief at the time that suffering was a direct result of sin. However, this perspective is challenged by the broader narrative of Job, where we see that Job is described as “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:1). Job’s suffering was not a punishment for sin but a test of faith.
Eliphaz goes on to list various sins he accuses Job of committing, including oppression of the poor and needy, mistreatment of widows and orphans, and arrogance. Eliphaz uses these accusations to further condemn Job and justify his suffering as a consequence of his supposed sins. However, Eliphaz’s assumptions about Job’s character are unfounded, as we see throughout the book that Job maintains his integrity and insists on his innocence.
Despite the harsh words and false accusations from Eliphaz, there is a deeper lesson to be learned from this passage. It reminds us of the danger of making assumptions about others based on external circumstances and appearances. It prompts us to look beyond the surface and not judge others hastily, as only God knows the true hearts and intentions of individuals (1 Samuel 16:7). The book of Job challenges us to trust in God’s justice and righteousness, even when we do not understand His ways. Job’s story ultimately demonstrates that faith is tested not in times of ease but in times of trial and suffering. Job’s unwavering faith in God despite his overwhelming circumstances serves as a powerful example for believers throughout history. It reminds us that even in the midst of pain and confusion, we can cling to the truth that God is faithful and His purposes are ultimately good (Romans 8:28). Job’s story encourages us to persevere in faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty and unfailing love, even when faced with the greatest of challenges.
Job 22:21-30
Several important sections in Job 22:21-30 offer profound insights into the nature of God’s justice and the importance of maintaining faith in times of trial. Let’s break down these verses and explore their significance in the context of the book of Job.
Starting with verse 21, “Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Here, the message is clear: by surrendering ourselves to God and aligning our will with His, we can find peace and prosperity. This theme of submission to God’s will is a recurring one in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of trust and obedience in our relationship with the divine. Job’s story is a powerful example of the challenges and rewards that come with holding onto faith even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.
Verse 22 continues, “Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart.” This verse underscores the importance of listening to God’s guidance and internalizing His teachings. Throughout the Bible, we see the transformative power of God’s word in the lives of those who heed it. By meditating on and storing up God’s words in our hearts, we strengthen our faith and gain wisdom to navigate life’s challenges. Job 22 shifts to a warning against wickedness and the consequences of turning away from God in verses 23-25. Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, highlights the idea that those who stray from God’s path will face trouble and distress. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, self-reliance, and disobedience in the face of divine authority. It also prompts reflection on the concept of divine justice and the belief that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. Verses 26-30 capture the promise of redemption and restoration for those who remain faithful to God as the passage progresses. Eliphaz speaks of praying to God and making vows to Him, with the assurance that God will answer and bring about deliverance. This section echoes the biblical theme of God’s faithfulness in responding to the prayers of His people and offering hope in times of trouble. It reinforces the idea that God is a loving and merciful deity who hears the cries of His children and intervenes on their behalf. Job 22:21-30 conveys a profound message about the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s plan, even in the face of adversity. It reminds us that ultimate peace and prosperity come from aligning our lives with God’s will and holding onto our faith through trials and tribulations. The passage also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of prayer, repentance, and reliance on God’s wisdom and guidance. It invites us to reflect on our own relationship with the divine and consider how we can deepen our faith and trust in God’s providence, regardless of the circumstances we face.
After Job 22
The chapter concluded with Eliphaz’s harsh accusations against Job. He claimed that Job’s suffering was a result of his own sins and wrongdoings. Eliphaz insisted that Job must repent and return to God in order to be restored.
However, the true nature of Job’s trials remained a mystery. Job will respond to these allegations as we move forward. Will he accept Eliphaz’s words and humble himself? Or will he stand firm in his integrity, seeking answers from the Almighty? The path ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear – Job’s faith will be put to the ultimate test.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.