Let’s take a look at Job 22 for this Job 22 commentary. The 22nd chapter of the Old Testament book of Job.

Last time, we saw Job give a speech to his friends. He told them something that would have shocked them.

The friends have been telling Job that he’s being punished by God because he’s committing secret sin. And in their minds – this is the only viable explanation. If a person is suffering, it’s because God is punishing them. And if God is punishing a person, it’s because that person is sinning.

But we saw last time that Job denied their assertions. But then he pointed to all the cases in which wicked men don’t get punished. He pointed to situations in which wicked men actually prosper!

And so, at this point Job is hoping that these friends would actually pay attention to what he’s saying and stop accusing him of being secretly wicked – and to instead rather comfort him.

But the sad reality is that Job is not going to get what he wants.

Because in Job 22 today we’re going to witness Eliphaz’s last speech. And in this last speech, Eliphaz is going to once more accuse Job of being wicked. He apparently didn’t understand Job’s message from the previous chapter. Or – more likely – he understands – but doesn’t agree.

So, let’s witness this chapter that basically boils down to an extended false accusation against Job on the part of Eliphaz.

And so, we begin with verses 1-3 where Eliphaz claims that man is worthless to God.

KJV Job 22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite [answered and said/responded/answered],

2 Can a [man/vigorous man/strong man] be [profitable/of use/of benefit] unto God,

3 Is it any [pleasure/special benefit] to the Almighty, that thou art righteous?

So, Eliphaz is telling Job that it’s really no big deal if he’s righteous. The fact that Job is a good man doesn’t really make a difference to God.

God’s not in need of strong men. He’s not in need of righteous men even.

In other words, if no one in this world was physically strong or morally good – God would still be God.

On the other hand, if a person is strong or righteous – it’s not like God is impressed and owes the guy something.

That’s Eliphaz’s point.

And so, as he’s hearing Job declare his own moral integrity, Eliphaz says basically, “Who cares? No big deal, Job! That doesn’t impress God.”

But when it comes down to it – even though Eliphaz appears to give Job the benefit of the doubt and assumes for the benefit of the doubt that he’s righteous – just for a little while, at least – the reality is that Eliphaz does not at all for a second really believe that Job is being honest.

How could Job be suffering so horrendously if he’s truly as righteous as he claims!? That’s the incredulity that Eliphaz expresses in verse 4.

4 [Will/Does] he [reprove/rebuke] thee for [fear of thee/your reverence/your piety]?

So, Eliphaz is asking Job if it really makes any sense that God is judging him for his fear of God. You can imagine Eliphaz cocking his head to one side and looking out the corner of his eye at Job as he asks this question.

So, despite what Eliphaz said in verses 2 a