Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
"I know how important it is to be a listener at a time like this, but who can remain quiet when they hear you talk this way? Think ho many people you have taught the right way! Think how you have helped the weak become strong again! The words of your mouth used to help those who stumbled to get back up again! Those who struggled were made stable and strong again because of your true words of wisdom.
You are real good with helping other out but watch out when trouble comes your own way! Look at how discouraged you become! Trouble strikes your home and you are dismayed. Shouldn't your goodness help give you confidence that things will all work out? Shouldn't your righteous life keep you hopeful for good things to come?
Think about it. The innocent people don't die. The good guys don't get destroyed in the end!
I will tell you what I have seen. I have seen the evil-doer get what is coming to him. It is God wh sends justice their way. He sees to it that the evil, wicked men die. Lions may roar an growl but God can break the teeth of even a lion.
Let me tell you what was revealed to me. A secret word. A whisper in my ear. In the midst of nightmare visions - when everyone else was asleep. Fear and trembling seized me and made me shake all over. A spirit flew right past my face and my hair stood on end! And then right in front of my face it stopped!
I could not tell what it was even though it was right there in front of my eyes! And then I heard a hushed voice... It said...
"Can a human be more righteous than God?
Can a man be more pure thatn his maker?
If God even punishes his angels for their wrongdoing,
How much more will he do so to mortal men below on this earth!
This earth which is nothing but dust.
These humans which are crushed easier than a moth!
Every day they are broken to pieces!
Unnoticed, they die never to come back again.
They leave this earth before they even get the chance to learn from their mistakes!"
Call out to the sky if you want to Job but who is going to answer you? Which angel will you turn to for help?
Resentment kills the one foolish enough to hold onto it. Envy ends the life of the one too stupid to let go of it.
I myself have seen a foolish man start to prosper but then suddenly suffer the loss of everything. His chilren suffer. The hungry come and thake everything he has. The thirsty can't wait to raid his wealth.
Hardship doesn't just grow out of nowhere. Trouble doesn't just sprout for no reason. Man is destined to face trouble as surely as he is weak and sinful.
If it were me, I would appeal directly to God himself. I would lay my case before Him. He can do more thatn we can even imagine! He has done more miracles than can even be numbered!
He sends the rain to bless the people and the crops of this earth. He lifts up those who are down and out. Those who are troubled, He rescues.
It is He who confounds the plans of corrked men. He sees to it that they do not succeed. They may think they are wise but He catches them in the end. Their schemes always fall apart. They are unraveled by His mighty hand! Just when things seem to be going great for them, darkness strikes them. They are made into a spectacle as they are shown for what they really are, unwise and helpless.
It is God who rescues those in need. He saves them even while a sword is aimed to cut their throats. He saves them from even the most powerful men on earth. Yes, the poor have hope because of God. Injustice doesn not rule this world.
The man who listens to God and learns from the discipline of God is actually getting something wonderful! He is learning how to live a life that pleases the LORD. so don't reject the discipline of God! Yes God does wound, but he also bandages the hurt! Yes God does injure, but he also brings the healing!
Then, after you have learned from all of this, when calamity after calamity comes, He will rescue you. In the end, no harm will have come to you. Then if you are starving, He will give whatever it takes to keep you from dying. In battle, He will do whatever it takes to keep you from being struck down by the sword. You will be protected from false evil words of accusation.
If you will indeed listen to and learn from the disciplin of God, you will then be set free from fear even though destruction threatens you. You will then laugh at destruction and famine. You will not even fear wild animals!
For you will then be blessed by God. The wild aminals will be at peace with you. Your house will be secure. You will check your property and none will be missing or stolen.
Your children will be safe and prosperous. Your family will grow so large you can't even keep track of all your great-great grandchildren! You will go to the grave full of life, having lived a full and freely wonderful life. We have looken into things Job, and what I am saying is true.
Think about it. and apply it to your current situation however is appropriate.
Next Chapter - Job replies!
Back to Contents Page
Back to Magazine Cover