Today Eliphaz continues with all of his words of discouragement to Job. Eliphaz wrongly believes that Job’s suffering is directly related to his sin. He says to Job, “For wrath kills a foolish man, and envy slays a simple one. I have seen the foolish taking root.” Eliphaz is trying to reason Job’s suffering based on his own understanding and what he has seen. Then he says to Job, “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.” 🙄 Well, I’m sure this cheered ol’ suffering Job right up! Oh wait…no, no, that didn’t help. Job says “To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friends…But what does your arguing prove?” We will learn that their arguing will prove nothing profitable.
Not all suffering is directly related to our own personal sin as we see here with Job. There is always way more going on behind the scenes that our finite minds can not interpret. Although Eliphaz is speaking truth that God does correct His children, as Hebrews 12:10-11 says, this truth is not helpful to suffering Job.
Sometimes it can be very hard to see God’s good plans and purposes for us in the midst of our suffering, but it doesn’t mean that He is not working for our good and His glory. Job just can’t see that right now so he cries out to the Lord, “I loathe my life…Let me alone.” Job doesn’t know that his afflictions are from Satan, and that the Lord is allowing it. Job is going to have to trust God in the midst of his pain and wait on the Lord to act on his behalf. And He will! So keep reading.
(Job 5:1-7:21)
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Chronological Bible in Layman's Terms 