Day 8, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Job 11–14
Consoling or Counseling?
Note: This Bible study is also available in audio format
Know-it-alls; you have met them. Hopefully, you’re not one of them. In arrogance, they spout wisdom, as if those listening know nothing at all. How insulting this is, especially to those who are, or at least were, well-respected for their wisdom and excellent character! Suddenly, because they experience some trouble, they know nothing. This is how the patriarch Job feels as his three well-meaning friends try to counsel him. He needs consoling, not counseling. How do we know when we should apply one or the other?
Zophar’s Advice
Zophar the Naamathite is Job’s third friend who gives him counsel. He, too, believes the trouble in Job’s life is because of his sin. When Job proclaims his innocence before his friends, it seems to mock God’s justice and righteousness. Therefore, Zophar defends the Almighty.
Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.
Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave—what can you know?
Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear (Job 11:5-8, 13-20, NIV).
Zophar concludes his counsel to Job by promising him a bright future if he repents.
Job is offended
In effect, Job argues, I am not in the least bit inferior to you; I have a mind, and I can think as well as you. I understand the things you are talking about. Don’t insult my intelligence or think you know more than me (Job 12:2-3; 13:2). Job says,
I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called to God and he answered me,
a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.
In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; it is ready for those whose feet slip (Job 12:4-5, ESV).Job’s once envious friends are laughing at him now. They are at ease and feel contempt for his suffering because they believe he has slipped morally.
Job’s response
Job says, Look at me! You can see I am suffering. Listen to me! You can hear I am a man of wisdom. God is Sovereign—he does what he wishes with his creation. But, I still want to make a case for my innocence.
You, who are my friends, should offer me words of encouragement, a healing balm to my soul. “You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” (Job 13:4-5, NIV)
Now listen! This is my confidence, Job declares, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him!” (Job 13:15-16, NIV)
Understanding pain
After Job replies to Zophar, he makes his complaint to God. It seems the LORD is angry with him, and Job wants to be left alone or killed so his pain will cease. As stated in our last Bible study, people who are in tremendous agony from their circumstances sometimes speak out of their pain. A person who is hurting “… feels but the pain of his own body and mourns only for himself.” He does not care about the welfare of anyone else (Job 14:22, NIV).
People in great misery lash out at everyone, even God. Job, however, is not mocking God’s justice and righteousness—he is appealing to it! Because he is loudly crying out doesn’t mean he is railing at God—he’s in pain! He appeals to the Righteous Judge to show him his sin or end his suffering.
Discuss
Zophar gives advice to Job. How is it received? Why or why not?
Should we give counsel or consolation when someone is suffering?
How should we process someone’s suffering and pain?
Focus Verses
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
1Peter 3:8 (NIV) “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: We should Encourage, not Discourage those who suffer. How might we do this? Learn more in our next Bible study.
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re-edited 1-9-2023
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