Text: Job 20:1-29
Zophar’s second speech is an attempt to answer Jōb’s observation about how the wicked do not necessarily suffer. Zophar agrees a little bit, but he states that the exaltation of the wicked is brief. Sure, they might do well in health and wealth, but it will be a short enjoyment. A wicked person’s prosperity might be sweet for a moment, but it turns to snake venom in the stomach. Zophar is saying that God has dragged away Job’s possessions because of Jōb’s wickedness. Then when he says the destruction is Jōb’s heritage, Zophar cruelly implies the loss of Jōb’s children is punishment from God.
Not all of us are pastors, but we can all be pastoral in the way we treat each other. It is true that God plans all things, and brings them to be, even troubles. But it is not necessarily kind to say that to a hurting person. Apostle Paul said that we should speak the truth in love (Eph.4:15), which implies that it is
possible to speak the truth without love. Jōb’s friends were very helpful when they sat with him, grieved with him, and said nothing. Since Jesus has the words of life, it will always be appropriate to pray silently to the Lord for His healing Word to come to our friends who suffer. Then just be with them, help them, love them, and let your words be few and carefully chosen.
Meditate on verse 5. What is God teaching you in this verse?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me not to admire the wicked for their joy is very short. Help me to persevere in righteousness of Jesus Christ. Amen.