Hello, let’s continue to listen to the conversation between Job and his friends in Job 20-23.

Zophar’s Warning: The Peril of Pride
We now hear from Zophar. This is one of only two times we hear from this man.

He is more dogmatic than the others and is suggesting that Job’s suffering results from sin.

He goes through a list of potential sins. In verse 20:9, he asks about pride.

The problem with pride is most of us have moments when we are proud of our achievements.

I was a professional wheelchair tennis player for three years. I won a little money, a trophy, and some ribbons. These are notable accomplishments.

A proud person would think this might establish me as an expert on the game of tennis. It does not.

Greatness in sports comes not from arrogance, but from a willingness to learn from others. You must drop your own methods and learn from someone skilled at instruction.

They will behave as if their success was all their own doing.

Zophar is saying, God has no use for the proud. If they cling to this sin, they will perish.

Time will erase them from memory. Their descendants will suffer from their ancestors’ harm. This will remain until someone among them repairs that reputation.

God will not bless these people. They may accomplish much, but as the adage goes, “you can’t take it with you.”.

In Mark 8:36, Jesus asks, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (NIV)”

No man can save themselves. (v20:20).

No amount of wealth can prevent a person from dying. After death, if they held to the notion they were the lord of their life, not Jesus, total darkness awaits them. (v20:26).
Job Explains Further: God’s Ways Aren’t Our Ways
Then Job speaks again.

He points out that the proud person will reject God. (v21:14-15)

Job claims God may not reprimand those people. He stores up their punishment, leaving it for their children.

Job’s plea is that God would repay the wicked so they would be the ones to suffer. (v21:19)

He is still referencing the proud who think they can dictate the rules of life.

“Can anyone teach knowledge to God?” he asks. (v21:22)

Remember, Job was a wealthy man before God allowed Satan to attack him. He commanded respect and taught others.

His friends are questioning if this had made him prideful. Was this the reason God had determined to chastise him?

Job will not denounce God, but is maintaining his own innocence in this matter. Claiming he always honored God with his fortune.
Eliphaz Digs Deeper: Our Place in God’s Plan
Eliphaz, then asks if anyone can be of benefit to God. (v22:2).

Those who work in ministry can feel taken advantage of. Few people will do the work. Someone who is always willing will have more work added to them.

Without meaning to sound ungrateful, we will say, “I have to ….” when referring to serving in some capacity at church. “I have to be at church every Wednesday to set up the webcast.”

God does not need any of us. He created everything there is, and Himself draws people into a relationship with him.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:44, NIV)

Yet, we get full of ourselves and think ourselves more significant in the process than we are.

I always start my sermons by praying. Thanking God for the opportunity to serve Him.

This is heartfelt. I know God does not need me.

He could accomplish all He will do without allowing me to get the joy of serving Him.

When He allows me to pray with someone to receive salvation, there is no greater joy.

It would be foolish to think that somehow I saved that person. I could not save a gnat.

Eliphaz asks, “Are not your sins endless?” (v22:5, NIV).

Knowing the thoughts in my mind, I would have to confess. He is correct.

He sums it up by pointing out how the prideful will say to God, “Leave us alone!”.

As an atheist, that was my attitude.

But, then he mentions repenting and says, “Submit to God and be at peace with Him”. (v22:21, NIV)

Assuring us. “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored.” (v22:23, NIV).

Repentance is not only turning to God. It is also turning away from sin. (see v22:23).

You may think you are too far gone. I have had people say, “You don’t know the things I have done.”

Verse 22:30 says, “He will deliver even the one who is not innocent.”

We can’t hold on to sin and grasp God at the same time.

The struggle in life is learning to let go of those things which are keeping you from God. Instead, heed the wise council of Eliphaz and seek God.
Tomorrow, we will read Job 23-27