Summary: How we respond to people who are hurting STILL matters. Our ability to show grace, compassion, and love to those around us is critical, and it's something we see quite clearly in these conversations.

Zophar’s second attack on Job

Job Sermon Series, Part 10

Introduction (Job Slide)

- We are continuing to examine Job’s conversations with his friends

-- Re: These men came in Ch. 2 to sit with him and mourn his loss

- They appear to come to comfort … but quickly their real motives are shown

-- They are discouragers; ones who desire Job to stop holding onto his faith

-- In their eyes, there is a cause/effect with his sin and his condition

- These friends have three conversations with him…

• Round 1: they suggest Job has sinned

• Round 2: they imply Job is a sinner

• Round 3: they state Job’s sin

- Round two continues with Zophar looking to further accuse Job of sin

-- It’s curious to note how the tone has changed with these discussions

-- First, they were merely trying to offer guidance; now it’s an assault

- Read Job Ch. 20

- Pray

Point 1 – Zophar’s declaration for the wicked (Ch. 20)

- Zophar begins his attack reminding him about God’s punishment for sin

-- His main concern for Job is that he has yet to name (and repent) of his sin

-- Zophar is now focused on, and more concerned with, Job’s reply to them

-- Even though Job insists on being innocent; the friends persist (v1-2)

- So, he begins to attack Job’s implied sin and does it quiet sarcastically

-- The charge: Surely you know everything since you are old and wise (v4)

-- You now that that God will punish the wicked, even if they have joy

-- And their joy can end just as suddenly and fall under God’s wrath (v5)

- His summation is Job is a godless person because of his pride: (read v6)

-- He is so elevated himself that even his head touches the clouds…

- And what happens to those who are like this? (v7)

-- Will perish forever; like his own waste (repulsive and without memory)

-- Even though people will ask about him, he’ll still not be remembered (v8)

- A prideful and wicked man will be swept away; banished like a vision

-- He’ll be so removed that no one will even look for him anymore (v9)

-- Even his children will be responsible for making amends (v10)

-- Death is the only reward received; even for young/strong sinner (v11)

- Then over the next few verses, he does something quite telling

-- He describes how those who are evil ENJOY taking part in it (v12-19)

• Evil is sweet in their mouth

• He longs for it, like a favorite food

• His stomach will turn sour from it

• And all of his riches will be lost and spit out

• There will be no benefit, no cool streams or rivers with milk and honey

• No more prosperity; just paying back what he has taken

• The wicked oppress the poor; this is their joy to do so

• And nothing they have gained will ever last

- Therefore, in the face of a holy God, the wicked cannot stand (v20)

-- Everything the wicked love will be overtaken by God’s wrath and anger

-- IMP: This judgment will occur in this life AND the next

- NOTE: Zophar is pleading for Job to repent and avoid this outcome

-- But … if you note the tone … there is almost an enjoyment in his words

- Nothing he does will save him; no amount of money will rescue him (v20)

-- The wicked will consume it until there is nothing left to take from others (v21)

-- And at the height of it all going in his favor … misery strikes (v22)

- Now, watch the tone that Zophar takes with Job – re-read v23-27

-- Emphasis on cause and effect … man does something; God retaliates

- Zophar even goes so far to say there is no advocate in Heaven (v27)

-- Re: Job has mentioned twice wanting someone to speak on his behalf

- God’s wrath will be poured out like a raging flood on his head (v28)

-- “Such is the fate” … “Oh well, it’s all over for that person now” (v29)

- Obviously, Zophar needs to work on his delivery and tact here…

-- APP: His “k sera sera” attitude here is really not helping matters…

- His assertion to Job? Justice is coming for the wicked, count on it

-- And … if you fall into this category, then you’re gonna get it!

-- Perspective: (sarcastically) “Good luck with all that … you sinner.”

- TRANS: “Then Job replied …”

- Read Ch. 21

Point 2 – Job’s Response (Ch. 21)

- Jobs first asks them to listen; to lend their ear; to pay attention

-- Job is saying that they are NOT listening to him (v1-2)

-- They might hear his words … but they are not comprehending them

- So, let me talk a bit … and then you can criticize me some more

-- APP: There is such a thing as destructive criticism; perfect example here

- Job reminds them that his complaint is NOT directed at man (v4)

-- He is not complaining so a man can come and make it better

-- He is not saying he has been wronged by man and needs justice

-- IMP: Job’s complaint is with God, and His silence frustrates me!

- He says his friends ought to be appalled at his appearance (v5)

-- It should make them cover their mouths and be silent in all this

-- Even when Job considers it, it (his ordeal and state) terrifies him (v6)

- Job’s friends have charged that the wicked do not prosper

-- His response is to disagree with this with very clear examples (v7-16)

• Why do the wicked live on; growing old and increasing in power?

• They see their children established around them,

• Their homes are safe and free from fear;

• Their bulls never fail to breed;

• They send forth their children as a flock;

• They sing to the music of timbrel and lyre;

• They spend their years in prosperity

- The wicked, Job says, even go so far as to insult God!! (re-read v14-15)

-- But they do not realize that their prosperity is under God’s control (v16)

-- APP: All that they have is because God allows it, even if they deny it!

- Job clearly acknowledges that death is for all (wicked and righteous)

-- There is none who escapes one day dying (v17-26)

-- And yes, God stores up a punishment for his sons … and the wicked

- His admission is that all of existence is under God’s authority

-- Therefore, Job doesn’t need to be lectured about what men deserve

-- We all deserve death, we are all sinners, so why is Job being attacked?

- Job is a faithful man who in the previous message stately clearly his desire

-- Turn back to Job 19 and read Job 19:25-27

-- His position and want has not changed; his faith is solidified in God

- He says the wicked do succeed in life; and are even buried with honor (v28-29)

-- Who holds them to account? Who keeps them honest? Not man, but God!

-- They are buried in wonderful fashion, they DO seem to live perfect lives

- So, (asking) how could you guys ever console me? (v34)

-- All you have to offer is foolishness (v3), and in that are lies upon lies

-- APP: Job’s anger is pretty clear here, esp. to these friends of his

- TRANS: Let’s end this today by reminding ourselves of this…

Big Idea: Your response to hurting people STILL matters!

- CRITICAL: Grace is what you received when you didn’t deserve it

- When we are consoling, grace should be given before condemnation

-- Even in correction, mercy can be shown … with instruction to change

- Job’s friends have totally missed this concept … prayerfully we won’t too

-- Consider how you talk to people this week, does it look like this?

-- Those we encounter need love more than our judgment … let’s share love!

-- Pray

References: Holman OT Commentary, Job