In the television competition program The Voice, a contestant will sing, but the judges have their backs to him or her. The judges listen to the singer and are not swayed by how the singer appears. The contestant is chosen solely upon what the judges hear. Therefore, they must listen very intently to each note.

The third respondent to listen and pass judgment on Job’s situation was Zophar. He was the most callous of the three friends. He referred to Job’s responses as “idle talk” (v. 3). He wanted God to speak against Job (v. 5). He was so opposed to Job’s innocence that he proclaimed that “God has forgotten some of your sin” (v. 6). This statement indicates that Zophar believed that Job was not receiving the full punishment he deserved. Since God knows everything (vv. 7–9), Job needed to come clean.

Zophar set himself up as the judge and jury. He spoke authoritatively on God’s behalf. He directed Job to “put away the sin that is in your hand” (v. 13) and as a result, “life will be brighter than noonday and darkness will become morning” (v. 17).

Again, there is some truth to Zophar’s statements. If a person is engaged in sinful behavior, he should repent and seek the Lord. In turn, the Lord will forgive and cleanse (1 John 1:9). But Zophar’s directives did not fit the circumstances. Job’s talk was not idle but factual. If only Zophar had listened intently to every word Job spoke, instead of being swayed by appearances.

Unfortunately, it is easy to pass judgment on an individual based upon appearance. A wise person is slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19). Zophar made up his mind about Job based upon what he observed, not based on what Job was sharing. Let us be people who listen, understand, and offer grace when needed.

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