Page 109 - Reading Job to Know God

He is not saying that he is perfect. He is saying, I have been true to the
Lord. My heart is right. I have not rebelled against God. My life is for Him.
I do not think he is being self-righteous. I think he is being honest.
Okay, let’s turn then to chapter 15. Eliphaz is the first to speak. Eliphaz
means “God is gold.” Unfortunately he does not value the Lord like his
name implies. Eliphaz is a descendant from Esau, and that shows in his
character. Even though Eliphaz is the oldest, most dignified and most
considerate of all of Job’s friends, this cycle of debates is going to illustrate
that he is greatly annoyed.
Now remember the chief problem was that Job did not accurately express
the depth of his anguish. Now since the three comforters heard only what
came out of Job’s mouth, these debates have been going around in circles.
They were answering his lips, but not his heart. The more he tried to
explain, the deeper he dug a hole. Did you ever get into a spot where the
more you explained something, the worse it sounded? Well, that is how it
went with Job. The more he tries to explain, the more his lips sound
rebellious. Eliphaz is hot, because of what he thinks is in Job’s heart. Let
me illustrate it. Eliphaz is annoyed at two main things as he begins this first
speech. He is annoyed at the fact that Job is irreverent. 15: 4,12 and13,
“Indeed, you do away with reverence and hinder meditation before
God. Why does your heart carry you away? And why do your eyes
flash, that you should turn your spirit against God and allow such
words to go out of your mouth?”

And so Eliphaz says, you are an irreligious, irreverent person. Don’t you
regard God? Aren’t you afraid of Him? Why are you so rebellious? He is
also angry at the fact that Job will not admit that he is a sinner. You are
hiding your sin. You are a hypocrite, Job. Look at verse 5,
“For your guilt teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of
the crafty.”

Now, in the last cycle of debates, Job suggested that these men were talking
through their hats. They had nothing to offer. I believe if you read chapter 15
you will see that Eliphaz’ feelings got a little hurt. His pride was wounded.
After all, he was the eldest, and experience is supposed to be the best
teacher. And Job dared to call his wisdom hot air? 15:9-10,
“What do you know that we do not know? What do you understand
that we do not? Both the gray-haired and the aged are among us, older
than your father.”
Eliphaz had the idea that he and his two buddies were the mouthpieces of
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