 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 “Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right? 3 Should your babble silence men, and when you mock, shall no one shame you? 4 For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God's eyes.’ 5 But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you, 6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves. 7 “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? 8 It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? 9 Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. 10 If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back? 11 For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it? 12 But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey's colt is born a man! 13 “If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. 14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. 15 Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. 16 You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. 17 And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. 18 And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. 19 You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor. 20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last.” Meditation The greatest lie is a twist of the truth. Diligent disciples must examine teaching to discern whether or not what they hear is actually the truth of God. The Berean’s practiced this standard with Paul (Acts 17:11). Christians today must exercise this level of discernment, too. Satan twisted God’s word in the garden (Genesis 3:1) and his strategy remains the same today. A simple side-step from God’s word begins us down the path of disorder and disillusionment. Zophar’s speech contains exalted language that seems both wise and authoritative, but God says Zophar “did not speak… what was right” about Him (Job 42:7). It turns out, when we follow Zophar’s logic, we see alignment more with Satan’s word in chapter 1 than with God’s word! Diligent disciples must discern whether or not what we hear is from God. Zophar arrogantly accused Job of mis-understanding God while claiming he himself did (1-6) and challenging Job to understand God as he does (7-12). Zophar’s shallow invitation reveals his own mis-steps outside of truth. Zophar challenges Job to repent in order to reclaim God’s blessings, “for life to be brighter than noonday” (13-20). This is Satan’s logic, that motivation for prosperity ultimately moves a heart, and it assumes suffering is punishment for sin. Zophar is wrong in both accounts and aligned with Satan in each step, walking outside truth. Satan wants to twist God’s word and have us seek God for personal gain. This strategy is simple but powerful, and disciples must be discerning as we guard the standard of truth. Richly Dwelling -Why is the greatest lie a twist of the truth? Where do you see prosperity theology that positions people and their performance at the center of God’s promises aligned with Satan’s word more than God’s? -Where do you see your heart taking Satan’s bait, positioning your performance as most pivotal in participating in God’s promises? -The performance of Jesus is central to the execution and experience of God’s promises. Take a moment to thank God for His faithfulness in Christ and ask Him to help you experience the goodness of His faithfulness through Christ’s work rather than your own. Key Verse 5 But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you, 6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Comments are closed.
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