If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking? – Job 4:2

Today's Scripture Reading (July 2, 2021): Job 4

In Killosophy, poet Criss Jami reminds his readers that "You have to lift a person up before you can really put them in their place." One of the big mistakes we make is that we somehow expect to enter into a deep, accountability relationship with people we don't really know. Or that we try to teach someone lessons in the midst of some of the worst moments of life. Criss Jami is right. First, we have to lift them out of their problems, and then maybe we can venture to teach them something. But even better, sometimes what is needed is for us just to be silent and cry with them. I am convinced that God is capable of moving in our lives and completing any teaching that might need to be communicated.

Eliphaz understands at least some of that. He has been willing just to sit and be silent with Job for the better part of a week. But the silence has weighed heavy on him. And now, he feels that he just has to say something.

And so, he opens up the conversation with what is basically, "I am going to say something, and you might not like it." I have to admit; it is a phrase that I have used several times in my communications. I just feel that I have to confront something here. Eliphaz's problem is that he doesn't have any wisdom to impart to Job. Eliphaz asks Job if he will be impatient with him or if he will wait and hear him out, but the reality is that it is Eliphaz who is impatient.

Eliphaz feels that he has to speak; he can no longer be silent. But he has done nothing to lift Job up or encourage Job in his present situation. He has sat with Job, but now every word that Eliphaz is about to speak will argue that Job's sins are the reason for his suffering. Essentially, Eliphaz believes in a conspiracy theory that says that good men will receive good in this life. In contrast, those who do evil will receive disasters. Eliphaz's message is clear. I am good because I have not suffered a tragedy, and Job, your wickedness is made clear by the catastrophes through which you are suffering.

It is thought that Eliphaz is the oldest of Job's "comforters," and therefore, his wisdom is allowed to go first. But Eliphaz's words are filled with human misunderstanding, and Eliphaz has not inquired of God to receive a heavenly perspective. The words that he ventures are human ones, and his impatience refuses to wait for a real word from Job's God.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Job 5