In Job, chapter 5, Eliphaz continues to counsel his friend Job, as if he was in sin. However, what he said is not wrong in the sense of the word, but only wrong since it was directed towards Job. You see, Eliphaz thought Job was being punished because of the afflictions that had fallen upon him, so he talked to him as if he was a man who sinned against God. However, what he said would have been good for any person who has really fallen into sin. So his counsel isn’t all that terrible if it was given to a sinful person. Now, to see what was really said, we will now start with verse 8. It reads, 1“I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety. He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.” (Job 5:8-13) What we learn is the importance of seeking God and commit our intentions and desires unto Him. It is God who does great things for our lives. Those who are humble are elevated up to do His will. Those who cry out to God are safe because of His mercy. People who do their own will and think they are wise will have no success in the end. He can see through a person’s life and those who are unwise are not led to safety. Therefore, he was leading Job to cry out to God for mercy, because of what he had done. In his humility would God listen and lead him to safety. However, is this what Job needed to hear? We will find out in the next chapter, as Job pleads his case.
As for the remainder of chapter 5, there is still so much to learn from. Eliphaz continues to speak to Job and says, 1“but he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty. So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.” (Job 5:15-20) 1 “And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.” (Job 5:24-27) So we learn that Eliphaz loved the Lord God and knew of His ways. He just didn’t realize that Job already knew God and was living for Him also. However, for those that have not found God yet, please learn from Eliphaz who taught us that God saves from the sword of the enemy. We are so much happier in life when God corrects us and puts on the right path. Those who are humble in Christ have hope. There is no wickedness in their mouth. He binds up our wounds. Even our hands are made whole because of Jesus. We are redeemed from death. We are at peace with God and in His presence. With Him, we are unable to sin. There is prosperity with God, but what Eliphaz didn’t realize is, is that there are also trials that we face. But everything is for our good, for God is our helper in times of need. Isn’t this good news? It sure is for those in Christ.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I am grateful for Your wisdom and Your guidance in life. I would be so lost in my own ways if You were not there with me. There were times in my life that I was giving the wrong advice to people who didn’t need it. I thought I knew the person before even getting to know them first. How foolish I was, God? I may have had a form of godliness about me, but I had created it and not You. Therefore, I am grateful that You came into my life and humbled me. It was in my pride that You corrected me and helped me truly understand Your ways. Even the way that I spoke to people has changed because You are right there with me now. It would be terrible if I said anything that was hurtful to someone of whom I didn’t know what they were going through. So in all my days do I reach for You, that You might help me know exactly what to say and act around people. It is my desire to bring peace into people’s lives, not contention. I desire to love everyone, not to have people be angry with me. It is my heart’s desire to see people be comforted in their trials and never feel burdened by me being around them. So Lord, pour down upon me and other Christians the power of the Holy Spirit. Fill our lives with the type of love that will move people to give You glory and praise. Never do I wish to have any recognition for what I do for You, but to always bring people back to You. You are worthy of our praise and honor, not man. Therefore, I reach out to You with arms wide open for You to receive me. Bring Me into Your presence and usher into my life and people around me Your joy, peace, happiness, and love. If I have breath, I only want You with me. Never again do I wish to live this life alone, but with You right by side. I love You, Jesus. You are my Lord and Savior. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
