Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: ”Are all these words to go unanswered? Is this talker to be vindicated? Will your idle talk reduce men to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock? You say to God, ‘My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight.’ Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin. (Job 11:1-6)
Now Zophar, the third “friend,” gets his shot at Job. Not much compassion from this guy. He goes right after the jugular. Zophar basically says, “Your words are empty and blasphemous, Job! I wish God would answer you. He would put you in your place. Because truth be told, you haven’t even gotten all that you deserve.”
Whoa. Job is a man who has lost ten children and everything else he considered precious in life and Zophar’s only words of comfort to him are “God could have punished you even more!” Not much help here. Zophar’s words are certainly not helpful or appropriate for Job’s situation.
I liked Ryrie’s study note on Zophar: “Zophar’s authority was not religious experience (Eliphaz) or tradition (Bildad)… His ultimate authority was really himself. What appeared right to him was considered to be indeed right. This kind of person sees all issues as either black or white. Zophar was not interested in probing the mysteries of God’s working. He not only called Job a sinner, but rebuked and insulted him for attempting to understand God’s ways (v. 12).”
Ever met someone who saw everything as black or white? It is hard to discuss anything with them. They have life all figured out. You just have to get on board with what they think in order to be right. Such a person is usually not very helpful when you are suffering or struggling with life. Their answers are too easy. Their words are too sharp. And their willingness to be involved is usually too non-existent.
Of course, the antidote to “Zophar Syndrome” is not to be become wishy-washy about everything. Zophar’s problem was not so much that he had firm beliefs about God’s character and the destructive nature of sin. Zophar’s problem came when he interpreted a situation he knew nothing about with black-and-white terminology. Zophar did not know Job’s heart. He did not know God’s working in Job’s life. He even acknowledged as much when he said that God’s ways were “higher than heaven” and “deeper than Sheol–what can you know?” (v. 8). But somehow Zophar went right on and told Job exactly what God was doing in his life and exactly what Job needed to do in response.
Job 11 reminded me that when it comes to our life and our relationships, God wants us to inspect ourselves and show concern for others. Unfortunately we seem to be better at inspecting others and showing concern for our self. Self-righteousness manifests itself when we start pontificating about another person’s relationship to God. We simply cannot know another person’s heart nor the workings of God in their life. We can offer guidance, advice, input, accountability, and a helping hand, but when it comes to judging their motives, evaluating their lives, or figuring out where they rank in God’s eyes, we are best to leave that up to God.
Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. …Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. (Romans 14:4, 10)
Lord, preserve me from a self-righteous attitude.