Job 15:7 “Are you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?”
This speech by Eliphaz seems to represent a tipping point with the friends and their argument. They first respectfully sat in silent mourning with Job for a week. Then they gently tell him what they see as his issue (unrepented sin). Yet as Job maintains his innocence and anger at God, the friends seem to get angry at Job, insisting that he, his sins, are at the root of his suffering.
Job 15:8 “Do you listen in on God’s council? Do you have a monopoly on wisdom?”
It almost seems that Eliphaz has now engaged so strongly in his argument with Job that he forgot that he cared enough about Job to sit a week in silent mourning with him. It’s almost as if being right, winning this argument with Job about his fault in his situation, has become the most important thing.
Job 15:9 “What do you know that we do not know? What insights do you have that we do not have?”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You love people, not winning arguments. Help us to remember that if we get so caught up in our opinions of being right at any cost, we may well miss the opportunity to minister to the very people who need You most. Draw us closer. Amen.
Job 15:11 “Are God’s consolations not enough for you, words spoken gently to you?”
Have a blessed day.