“Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking? 3 Surely you have instructed many, and you have strengthened weak hands. 4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have strengthened the feeble knees; 5 but now it comes upon you, and you are weary; it touches you, and you are troubled. 6 Is not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope? 7 “Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? 8 Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. 9 By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of His anger they are consumed. 10 The roaring of the lion, The voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions are broken. 11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.” Job 4:1-11 NKJV
God our Father,
For seven days these friends have sat with Job and said nothing. Now Eliphaz speaks and we expect comfort from a friend that concerned. But no, I am shocked that there is no sympathy or empathy. Eliphaz, a brave an says he can’t keep from speaking any longer and he is not sure how job will stand up to him speaking the truth as he sees it. As Job has been used to speaking as the one encouraging the weary.
He then proceeds to let Job know that the upright are not cut off and forsaken by God. Those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. He presumes therefore that Job cannot be innocent. He implies that what has happened is punishment by God. And he is convinced by personal experience. But we know that is not the case. It may be occasionally true that those who do evil come to a sticky end but it is not a spiritual principle.
We know no-one is perfect and it is only in Jesus that we can be seen as sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21). But we read, in chapter 1, that God saw Job as blameless and upright. Eliphaz was presumptuous and had forgotten why he visited. To comfort not judge. May the words of my mouth be acceptable in Your sight Lord (Psalm 19:14).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 3rd September 2026
May the words of my mouth
And the thoughts of my heart
Bless Your name, bless Your name, Jesus
And the d-eeds of the day
And the tr-uth in my ways
Speak of You, speak of You, Jesus
For this is what I’m glad to do
It’s time to live a life of love that pleases You
And I will give my all to You
Surrender everything I have and follow You
I’ll follow You
Lord will You be my vision
Lord will You, be my guide
Be my hope, be my light, and the way
And I’ll look not for riches
Or praises on Earth
Only You’ll be the first, of my heart
Chorus
I will follow, I will follow You
(4X)
Chorus twice
Lyrics: Tim Hughes