Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 11-12 GWT

Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Job 11-12.  I’m calling today’s episode “This Is A Friend?”

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Comments on Job 11-13

In chapter eleven, Zophar has had enough of what he considers to be just a rash of wordy nonsense. In essence he accuses Job of running off at the mouth. He asks, “Just because you like to hear yourself talk, are we supposed to shut up?”

Zophar accuses Job of saying things he didn’t say, like “My teaching is morally correct,” and “As you can see, I am innocent”, neither of which was true.

He did say that “I am not wicked”, but he also said, “I have sinned.”

I think that Zophar misunderstood Job, in part because of Job’s somewhat and understandably emotional charge that God was cruel in his treatment of him. What about you? Did he misunderstand Job, or is he just being judgmental?

From verse seven on, Zophar’s words are pretty much accurate. God is beyond understanding. God can do as He pleases. If you confess your sin, you will be forgiven and you will find peace.

As chapter 12 opens, Job responds to Zophar with sarcasm. “You are the keepers of wisdom. When you die, wisdom will die.” 

At this point, I can just imagine the emotions that Job must be feeling. Physically, he is a wreck. Emotionally, he is mourning the loss of his children (most importantly) and to probably a far lesser extent, his wealth. Spiritually, he’s confused. He can’t understand why God would bring such calamities on him. And now on top of all this, he’s resentful, to say the least. 

Personally, I have to hand it to Job. At least he continued to engage with them. He could have just shut them out, told them to take a hike. But he’s better than that. Evidently the friendship he’s had with them until now is worth trying to save, despite their insensitivity here. So he continues the conversation.

I the rest of the chapter he tells them that he is not inferior to them. And he reminds them where wisdom actually comes from - from God. From verses 13 on to the end of the chapter, Job demonstrates that Zophar’s accusation that he is empty-headed, is false. He talks at length about the power of God; his ability to give or take according to His own will.

Of course Job is accurate, but certainly his description of God seems dark, and reflective of his current condition.

And yet, Job does not accuse God of being unjust. 

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Transcript

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Job 11-12: This Is a Friend? (LSFAB S13E040)

[TEASER - 0:00]Oh, you're the keepers of wisdom!

[INTRO S13E040 - 0:10]This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, and podcasting since 2004, I'm your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we'll read through the entire Bible in a year, and I'm so glad you're with me today.

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Okay, let's talk about today. This is Poetry Thursday. We'll read Job, chapters 11 and 12. I'm calling today's episode, "This Is a Friend?" Remember that this coming Sunday will be the 1...