Wisdom Class 4: Job 22-31 (Answers)

Answers to Wisdom Class 4 Questions
1. Is Eliphaz now accusing Job of harming the poor and the widows?

Yes. Job 22:6-9 appears to be an accusation that Job has taken clothing from people who didn't have any to start with, not given the weary water or a hungry man bread, and have not helped widows, but sent them away empty.

2. Did Job have some form of the Word of God, “Words of God’s mouth”?

I believe so. We see in Job 23:12 "I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food." (NKJV) We don't know in what form these words have been given to him, whether they were written on a scroll that had been passed down, through word of mouth from generation to generation, or God had actually instructed him. Keeping in mind that Job lived in the Patriarchal dispensation, God did speak directly to the heads of household. The point I want to bring out, is that Job and the people in his time knew the will of God and were able to make there own decision to obey or not, just as today.

3. Is Job complaining to God for not punishing the wicked?

When we examine Job 24:1-12 we see see a long list of wicked acts that people have committed, including stealing animals, pushing the needy off the road, causing the poor to go naked without clothing, and not providing food or clothing for the poor. Following this list, Job states in verse 12 that the souls of the wounded cry out, but God does not charge them with wrong.

4. What does Bildad compare man to? 

In the conclusion of the short chapter 25, after talking about the power of God and lowliness of man, he compare man to a maggot and a worm, Job 25:6.

5. How does Job convey that he can only partially understand God?

Job chapter 26 is Job's response to Bildad, but also a review of the mighty works of God, His power. In the final verse, Job indicates that we only hear a small whisper of him, but this loud thunder of His power is very hard to understand. While Job indicates here that we can't possibly understand the ways of God entirely, we have only heard (read) a glimpse; Job is later corrected by God for assuming he knows as much as God. Job never learns about the interchange between God and Satan, nor that Satan is the source of his suffering, nor that God had faith in him to raise him up as an example of a faithful man. We should be careful not to think too highly of ourselves. To assume that when trials come before us that we know why it is happening, or to think God has left us because of our momentary pain.

6. Has Job finally caved and admitted a great sin?

No way. In Job 27:3-6, he is reinforcing that he will claim his innocence as long as he can and will continue to live a life of integrity through death.

7. What is the value of wisdom?

It's deeper than the deep, larger than the ocean, priced beyond gold or silver, more valuable than onyx or sapphire, neither god nor crystal can equal it, it can't be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold, above rubies. Wisdom is more valuable than anything we can produce or find on earth. Job 28:12-19

8. Where does wisdom come from? What is wisdom?

Wisdom is concealed from all living beings, we can't see it. God understands its way and knows its place. Wisdom is "the fear of the Lord", "to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:20-28

9. How does Job defend against Eliphaz’s accusation from question 1?

Job has delivered the poor who cried out, the fatherless. A perishing man blessed him and he caused a widow's heart to sing for joy. Job was the eyes to the blind and the feet to the lame. He was a father to the poor. He "broke the fangs of the wicked", making them stop their harm to others and "plucked the victim from his teeth", saving the one who was being harmed. Job 29:12-17

10. In what ways had Job declared his innocence and humbled himself?

Throughout Job chapter 31 he lists various sins he could have committed and declares that if he had committed the sin, he should be repaid by having the sin committed against him. If had looked upon a younger woman, then men should come upon his wife. If he had been dishonest, then let what he has prospered to go another ("let me sow, and another eat"). If he had ignored a case his servants brought before him, then God should no answer him either.

Note:  Give Us A King, The United Kingdom, by Bob and Sandra Waldron and The Holy Bible, new King James Version, Reference Edition, Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.were used in preparing the comments in this post.