Job - Chapter 22

Job 22.1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Job 22.2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Job 22.3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect? Job 22.4 Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment? Job 22.5 Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite? Job 22.6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing. Job 22.7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry. Job 22.8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it. Job 22.9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. Job 22.10 Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee; Job 22.11 Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee. Job 22.12 Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are! Job 22.13 And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud? Job 22.14 Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven. Job 22.15 Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden? Job 22.16 Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood: Job 22.17 Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them? Job 22.18 Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me. Job 22.19 The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn. Job 22.20 Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth. Job 22.21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Job 22.22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. Job 22.23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. Job 22.24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Job 22.25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. Job 22.26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Job 22.27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Job 22.28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. Job 22.29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. Job 22.30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

Job : Chapter 22

Eliphaz's Speech in Job 22

Job chapter 22 introduces us to the third speech of Eliphaz, a friend of Job. In this speech, Eliphaz escalates his accusations against Job, imputing specific sins to him. He argues that Job's suffering is a direct result of his supposed transgressions. This speech raises crucial questions about hasty judgment, the nature of true piety, and the importance of repentance.

The Warning Against Jumping to Conclusions

Job 22 reminds us of the danger of jumping to conclusions about the causes of others' suffering. It is essential to exercise discernment and compassion before passing judgment. In a world where suffering is often visible, it is our duty to seek to understand the trials of others, rather than condemn them.

Five Bible Passages that Resonate with Job 22

Let's consider together five biblical passages that fit into the themes addressed by Eliphaz in this provocative chapter:

Isaiah 58:7

"Is it not to share one's food with the hungry, to shelter the helpless poor, to clothe the naked, and not to withhold help from one's neighbor?" This verse reflects Eliphaz's accusations regarding Job's supposed lack of charity.

Proverbs 22:22-23

"Do not exploit the poor because they are poor, and do not oppress the needy in court, for the Lord will be their advocate and will take the life of those who take them away." These proverbs echo Eliphaz's accusations, while reminding us that God defends the poor.

Matthew 25:35-36

"For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me; I needed clothing, and you You clothed me; I was sick and you cared for me; I was in prison and you visited me." Jesus here emphasizes the importance of good works, an aspect that Eliphaz criticizes in Job.

James 2:15-16

"If a brother or sister needs clothing and daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warm and eat until you are satisfied,' but you don't give them anything, what good does it do?" James highlights the importance of concrete acts of charity, a topic that Eliphaz addresses in relation to Job.

1 John 3:17

"If someone has material resources and sees his brother in need and does not sympathize with him, how can the love of God remain in him?" John here emphasizes the importance of practical compassion, echoing Eliphaz's accusations in Job 22.

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to reflect on our own lives and our commitment to others, especially those who are suffering. May our hearts be open to charity and understanding, for it is in these attitudes that God's love is truly manifested.