“Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said: 2 “Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated? 3 Should your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, should no one rebuke you? 4 For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.’ 5 But oh, that God would speak, and open His lips against you.” Job 8:1-5 NKJV
“I have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all! 3 Shall words of wind have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? 4 I also could speak as you do, if your soul were in my soul’s place. I could heap up words against you, and shake my head at you; 5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief.” Job 16:1-5 NKJV
“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:10-12 NKJV
Father God,
So Zophar joins Bildad and Eliphaz in condemning Job. He calls Job to repent. Job has had enough of his miserable comforters! I agree. Job has long discourses where he states what he knows about God and works through what he believes. He is searching for truth. His visitors just judge. Job hopes there is a redeemer who will speak up and clear his name in the future. We do not know if it is a prophecy about Jesus or hoping one of his family will clear his name, a kinsman-redeemer? But these conversations he has with God show us we can question and search for Your truth to correct and direct us.
I just love verse 12. Do I treasure Your Word more than my necessary food (NKJV) more than my daily bread (NIV)? I know I enjoy, and like thinking about food and often think about what I will have for my next meal! Do I see Your teaching Lord as the commandment of Your lips (NKJV) or just something to aspire to on occasions? Not that I can ever excel! Paul speaks about the human dichotomy in Romans 7:20-25. I can only do my my best. Thank You God for Jesus Christ. We do our best with Your Spirit’s help and Jesus redeems the rest. We can question when we don’t understand life and whatever comes and however others speak we will endeavour to trust.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 5th September 2026
The chorus is my come to mind when I cannot see the way forward. It then reminds me of God’s Word. Comfort eating is false comfort?
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
‘Til our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Repeat chorus . . .
Lyrics: Ada R Habershon (1906) Robert Harkness (Tune)
New verses: Matt Merker New Tune: Keith and Kristyn Getty (2013)