Eliphaz continues and extends Bildad’s and Zophar’s
accusations against Job (Job 1:5-6). Apparently, it isn’t enough that Satan
accuses God of favoritism (Job 1:9-10), Job’s friends now accuse him of sin
(Job 15:5) and false speech (Job 15:6).
Do Job’s friends speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)? Do they
chatter idly--whatever comes to mind? Do they utter messages, as prompted by
the Prince of Lies? Or do they declare what they have gleaned from some other
sources?
And yet some of what Eliphaz says rings with truth. God is a
consoling God (Job 15:11), and in the end humans suffering great losses may
have only God’s gentle words to cherish for comfort.
Eliphaz is correct in questioning humanity’s purity, too
(Job 15:15-16). Men and women, children and youth alike are predisposed to
selfishness, disobedience, and irresponsibility. Justice is served when we are
called to account for these kinds of attitudes and the actions that are
motivated by them.
God, I thank You that I know You as a God of mercy.
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