Central Truth

The verse above reveals bits of Eliphaz's second verbal attack on his friend, Job. He tries to convince Job that his tremendous physical and emotional sufferings are because of his self-conceit and opposition to God. On the contrary, Job's sufferings in life were not a direct result of his sin.

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Reflections

Have you ever been accused of something that was undeniably false? I have a brother-in-law who has been under that kind of scrutiny. As a Christian, he suffered two years of unjust charges from his company where he was a faithful employee for many years. Losing his job, his stock, pension, and paying a substantial fine was not the worst of his pain. His friends, and even some family members, questioned his "sin" time and again. Work friends abandoned him. Some tried to strip him of whatever ethical, moral and Christ-like characteristics he most certainly possessed. And, finally, a year in prison accompanied those trials.

In Job 15, Eliphaz attacks Job again with only one answer to his dreadful situation: Job is wicked and won’t admit it. There is no other explanation. He maintains that the wicked are certainly miserable; and therefore, infers the miserable are certainly wicked. In verses 7-13 he goes as far as indicating his belief that Job is completely arrogant and self-righteous. He is determined to get his point across that Job's afflictions are a direct result of his sin. Righteous people prosper and wicked people don't. Sounds godly enough, right? Not quite. For the next 19 verses (17-35) Eliphaz's dire speech continues -- describing the punishment and agony resulting from such sin as Job's -- and he firmly believes that Job will receive the same retribution unless he turns from his current mode of thought.

Was Job without sin? Absolutely not. No mortal on earth is. Yet Eliphaz, as a friend, should never have spilled such harsh accusations upon one who was well-known for his faithfulness. Like Job, my brother-in-law struggled through his suffering, but God had a plan for both of them and he helped them persevere. While in prison, my brother-in-law led a Bible study and a financial course for some of the inmates. He established some friendships that will last his lifetime. Whether we are prosperous or made poor in this world, no calamity -- however heavy or severe -- can separate us from the love of our Lord! Amen?

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Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think people associate prosperous, healthy lives as being "blessed?" And does that mean people who are homeless, grief-stricken or suffering with physical afflictions and diseases aren't blessed?

2. Have you ever counseled poorly or charged someone unjustly? What was the result of your actions?

3. My Dad once said,"Maybe the question shouldn't be, 'Why me?'....but rather, 'Why not me?'" How would asking that question change your perspective in your Christian walk?

4. C.S. Lewis was once asked, “Why do the righteous suffer?” “Why not?” he replied. “They’re the only ones who can take it.” Can you say you, like Job, love God because you love God, and for no other reason?

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