“Would
a wise man answer with empty notions or fill his belly with the hot east wind?”
(v.2)
In chapter 15 Eliphaz speaks again, trying to get Job to admit
he is a terrible sinner. He starts out by accusing Job of being full of hot air
and empty ideas (v.2), that he lacks fear and devotion to God (v.4), and that his
own mouth testifies against him (v.6). Eliphaz continued his bombardment by
questioning Job’s righteousness (v.14), suggesting he must be wicked (vv.20-26),
that he must have defied God (vv.25-27), and that as a result he was punished,
stripped of everything (vv.30-33).
This is the classic ploy of tearing down another person in order
to elevate ones own “wisdom.” Eliphaz heartless and cruel rebuke of Job’s
situation and life experiences, including the loss of his family (vv.34-35),
show only his own ignorance. For Job’s suffering was not the result of
sinfulness, but actually because of his righteousness. ( see Job 1:8)
The Truth: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds
of evil against you falsely for My
sake.” (Matthew 5:11)
