Job’s wife and friends had turned on him, becoming his worse critics. As Job’s losses accumulate, he becomes lower in his despair. It is the friends that really bring him down. As Job maintains his innocence, his “friends” maintain their attack.

1 – The criticisms of Job (15:1-35)

Job is told by Eliphaz five things that he needs to take note of that are wrong with him.

• His words are empty (vs. 1-3) – If you can’t win the argument then attack the person! Job had been profound. Has Eliphaz been listening? In truth, his mind was already made up. He was not listening to Job.
• His ways are evil (vs. 4-6) – He was calling good evil. Job was good, not evil. We have the advantage of knowing this as God had said it.
• His wisdom is elementary (vs. 7-13) – This is a put-down to the young. He is saying that Job is not old enough to understand. This can be true but is not always true. See Psalm 119:99-100. With God it is not about how old you are, but how obedient you are.
• His wickedness is evident (vs. 14-16) – Some friend he is! This is just mean. Job has always shunned evil in his life.
• His wretchedness is earned (vs. 17-35) – This is the final nail in Job’s coffin. Job is suffering because of his evil as suffering is the result of sin. This true sometimes but they are wrong in the case of Job. This is the theology of the Devil. People do not serve God to miss out on suffering. Is success caused by piety? Job is betrayed by his friends. God can use even this.

2 – The complaints of Job (Job 16-17)

• He feels frustrated (16:1-5) – Job wants them to stop talking to him! He wouldn’t be like them if they were in his position. He would give words of comfort. He calls his friends miserable comforters.
• He feels forsaken (16:6-17) – Job considers God to be his enemy. Job has finally had it. He is angry at God. The greatest believers have been arguers with God. E.g. Jacob and Peter. Our anger brings us closer to God. Phoney Christians put a spin on a relationship that does not really exist. Job does not know the agreement between God and Satan. We see it because it is revealed to us. Integrity meets adversity.
• He feels forgotten (16:18-21) – Job is crying out for an advocate. He is looking for legal counsel in Heaven! He needs someone to plead his case – not his so-called friends! See 1 John 2:1-2. Jesus is our advocate. See Hebrews 2:17-18. Jesus is our lawyer. He is good lawyer with experience. See Hebrews 4:14-15.
• He feels finished (Job 17:1-16) – Job thinks that his life is coming to an end. He suggests that his friends start all over again! Job is totally worn with fatigue. When you have been through a lot, it will wear you down.

The best faith for God is developed when everything becomes fuzzy and God is silent. It seems like we are lost in a fog. If we listen hard we will in time hear God’s voice and know which way to God. We may not be able to see God but He can always see us.

Categories: Job