Job Chapter 11
From The Open Bible Project
11:1 Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,
11:2 "Shouldn't the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?
- (a) Should he persuade by his great talk that he is just?
11:3 Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?
11:4 For you say, 'My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.'
- (b) He charges Job with this, that he should say, that the thing which he spoke was true, and that he was without sin in the sight of God.
11:5 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,
11:6 that 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.
- (c) Which is not to stand in justifying of yourself: he signifies that man will never be overcome while he reasons with another, and therefore God must break off the controversy, and stop man’s mouth.
11:7 "Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
11:8 They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than [4] Sheol [See Job Footnotes 4]. What can you know?
- (d) That is, this perfection of God, and if man is not able to comprehend the height of the heavens, the depth of the earth, the breadth of the sea, which are but creatures, how can he attain to the perfection of the creator.
11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
11:10 If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
- (e) If God should turn the state of things and establish a new order in nature, who could control him?
11:11 For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.
11:12 An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt.
- (f) That is, without understanding, so that whatever gifts he has afterward come from God, and not from nature.
11:13 "If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.
- (g) If you repent, pray to him.
11:14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
- (h) Renounce your own evil works and see that they do not offend God, over whom you have charge.
11:15 Surely then you shall lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:
- (i) He declares the quietness of conscience and success in all things that they shall have who turn to God in true repentance.
11:16 for you shall forget your misery. You shall remember it as waters that are passed away.
11:17 Life shall be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.
11:18 You shall be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.
11:19 Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. Yes, many shall court your favor.
11:20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail. They shall have no way to flee. Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit."
- (k) He shows that contrary things will come to them who do not repent.
