Zophar continued his speech detailing the results of leading a wicked life. He spoke about the destruction and sadness of such a life. There would be no rest for the wicked (or Job.)
Then Job told them to listen carefully to his words as the only consolation they could offer him, but after he was finished, they could continue their mocking. Job listed the ways the wicked succeed in all the earthly definitions of success: healthy and successful children, safe homes without fear, livestock that breeds well, their children dance and sing and make merry, they live in prosperity and die in peace. Yet they tell God to leave them alone! They don't want to know Him or His ways. Job pointed out that they had erred in saying that God punishes the children of sinners. Let God force them to suffer for their own sins. Who can tell God what to do? Job reminded them that nobody gets out of life alive. The earth is full of people who are wicked and do not know God, yet they are buried with honors. Job asked them how they could console him with their nonsense and lies.
Then Eliphaz spoke and listed all the ways Job had sinned against people and God. He told Job that humans were of no use to God. God could do whatever he wished, that he is not blind and he knows everything. He urged Job to surrender to God and he would find peace and prosperity. If Job would just straighten up and fly right and everything would be better for him.
Then Job wished he could go to God's house and speak with him. He would state his case and find out what God would tell him. He wouldn't press charges against Job, He would deliver Job. Though God is always at work, Job could never find Him. Job stated that he had always treasured God's teachings, and followed his commandments. God would do whatever he wished with Job, because He does as He pleases. Job would not remain silent even though he was covered by darkness.
Job continued by asking why God doesn't set a time for judgement. All kinds of people do all kinds of terrible things to each other, but God seems not to notice.
Tomorrow read Job 24:13-29:13
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