Job 11

Zophar's First Speech

¹Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,

²“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?

³Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed?

⁴For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’

⁵But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,

⁶that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.

⁷“Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

⁸They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?

⁹Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

¹⁰If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?

¹¹For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it.

¹²An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.

¹³“If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.

¹⁴If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.

¹⁵Surely then you will lift up your face without spot. Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear,

¹⁶for you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away.

¹⁷Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.

¹⁸You will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety.

¹⁹Also you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Yes, many will court your favor.

²⁰But the eyes of the wicked will fail. They will have no way to flee. Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit.”

Previous Job 10

Next Job 12

Zophar, the third friend, delivers a harsh rebuke to Job, accusing him of empty talk and claiming his suffering proves hidden sin. He emphasizes God's infinite wisdom and justice, arguing that Job actually deserves worse punishment than he has received. Zophar concludes by offering hope: if Job repents and turns from wickedness, God will restore him to prosperity and security.

Context

This completes the first cycle of speeches from Job's three friends, each offering increasingly harsh assessments of Job's situation.

Key Themes

Outline

1-6
Zophar's Rebuke Zophar criticizes Job's words and claims God would reveal Job deserves his suffering.
7-12
God's Infinite Wisdom Zophar describes God's wisdom as unfathomable and His knowledge of human wickedness as complete.
13-19
Call to Repentance Zophar urges Job to repent and promises restoration, security, and blessing will follow.
20
Warning to the Wicked A final warning that the wicked will face destruction and have no escape.

Zophar's First Speech

11:1–11:20

wisdom speech urgent

Zophar rebukes Job for his many words and claims of innocence, arguing that God's wisdom is unfathomable and that Job deserves worse punishment than he has received. He calls Job to repentance and promises restoration if Job will turn from sin, while warning that the wicked will ultimately perish.

person_contrast

Zophar uniquely pairs divine wisdom with promises of restoration and hope, contrasting his typical association with harsh judgment and death across his other biblical appearances.

Insight Character Study

Zophar uniquely pairs divine wisdom with promises of restoration and hope, contrasting his typical association with harsh judgment and death across his other biblical appearances.