Uh Oh, me and my big mouth

Sometimes throughout Scripture it is interesting to notice the irony of certain situations. One of the best examples is in the book of Job. A cursory look at the circumstances will help us see the truth in this.

• Job was popular, rich, God fearing, charitable, and many other good adjectives.
• He had three friends who, I am sure, began their vigil with him as compassionate pals.
• Satan was not done with Job and influenced his “friends” into making accusations

Paraphrased

• Eliphaz - You got what you deserved
• Bildad - Why complain? God doesn’t make mistakes you are getting what you deserve
• Zophar - You are a liar and very wicked and you are getting what you deserve
• Eliphaz - You are a hypocrite and guilty and a liar
• At this point Job said, “miserable comforters are ya all.”
• Bildad - All your talk cannot change the fact that you are wicked. God judges the wicked and you do not know God
• Zophar - Even though you hid your sin, God judged you. You are a hypocrite and they always get judged
• Eliphaz - You are a great sinner

Job had answers to each of these accusations but his friends were unmoved by his reasoning. The LORD steps into the conversation here and first corrects Job. The unkind, unwise, unfriendly friends were not forgotten though. In chapter 42:7 God speaks to the friends.

The ironic situation is in the mind of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. The man they were condemning is the man they need to appeal to for salvation from God’s judgement.

"My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job."

This is also a good example of God’s mercy -

Job 42:9 So Eliphaz... and Bildad... and Zophar... went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Almost makes you feel sorry for Eliphaz, doesn't it? nah