Job 11

Zophar the Naamathite rebukes Job, accusing him of excessive talk and false claims of purity. He asserts that God's wisdom is unfathomable and that Job's iniquity is greater than he perceives, implying God has been lenient. Zophar then urges Job to repent and put away wickedness, promising restoration and security if he does, but warns of despair for the wicked.

Zophar the Naamathite begins his discourse by questioning Job's multitude of words and his self-justification, accusing him of lies and mockery. He expresses a wish that God would speak to reveal the profound secrets of His wisdom, suggesting that Job's suffering is less than his iniquity deserves. Zophar then expounds on the incomprehensible nature of God, whose understanding is higher than heaven and deeper than hell, and whose power is absolute. He asserts that God sees all wickedness and knows vain men, implying Job's foolishness. Zophar concludes by offering a path to restoration: if Job prepares his heart, puts away iniquity, and lives righteously, he will find peace, security, and prosperity. However, he warns that the wicked will ultimately fail and lose all hope.

Zophar the Naamathite, the third of Job's friends, opens his speech by challenging Job's lengthy arguments and his self-righteous assertions. He questions whether Job's "lies" should silence others and if his mockery should go unaddressed, specifically referencing Job's claim of pure doctrine and cleanliness in God's eyes. Zophar passionately wishes that God would intervene directly, not to justify Job, but to reveal the profound "secrets of wisdom" that would demonstrate the true extent of Job's iniquity, suggesting God has exacted less punishment than deserved. He then launches into a powerful description of God's incomprehensibility and omnipotence, asking if man can truly fathom the Almighty, whose attributes are higher than heaven, deeper than hell, longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Zophar emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, stating that no one can hinder Him if He chooses to act. He further asserts God's perfect knowledge, declaring that He knows vain men and sees all wickedness, implying that Job's perceived wisdom is foolishness. Transitioning to a conditional promise, Zophar outlines the path to restoration: if Job sincerely prepares his heart, stretches out his hands to God, and decisively removes all iniquity from his life and dwelling. He promises that such repentance would lead to a blameless countenance, steadfastness, and freedom from fear. Job would forget his past misery, his age would become brighter than noonday, and he would shine forth like the morning. Security, hope, peaceful rest, and respect from others are also promised. Conversely, Zophar concludes with a stark warning for the wicked, whose eyes shall fail, who shall find no escape, and whose hope will be extinguished like the giving up of the ghost.