In chapter eleven, Zophar has had enough of what he considers to be just a rash of wordy nonsense. In essence he accuses Job of running off at the mouth. He asks, “Just because you like to hear yourself talk, are we supposed to shut up?”

And he accuses Job of saying things he didn’t say, like “My teaching is morally correct,” and “As you can see, I am innocent”, neither of which was true.

He did say that “I am not wicked”, but he also said, “I have sinned.”

I think that Zophar misunderstood Job, in part because of Job’s somewhat and understandably emotional charge that God was cruel in his treatment of him.

From verse seven on, Zophar’s words are pretty much accurate. God is beyond understanding. God can do as He pleases. If you confess your sin, you will be forgiven and you will find peace.

As chapter 12 opens, Job responds to his friends with sarcasm. “You are the keepers of wisdom. When you die, wisdom will die.” Then he tells them that he is not inferior to them. And he reminds them where wisdom actually comes from – from God.

In chapter 13, Job tells them that he understands what he has heard and seen, and he wants to talk to God. And he tells them to be quiet because they are lousy doctors.

And then He speaks to God. His prayer begins humbly. “Listen carefully. Hear what I have to say. I’ve thought about my case, and I think I’ll be found righteous.” He asks God to stop oppressing him, and he asks Him not to frighten him.

The next thing he says is a bit bold. He says to God, “Call and I’ll answer. But if you don’t, I’ll speak and you’ll answer me.”

I’m not sure I would make that challenge to the One who holds the universe in His hand! But he proceeds to make his case to God, whom he is convinced has unjustly brought all these mishaps upon him. He thinks God is being unfair, and he wants an answer.

When we are in the midst of suffering, our thinking can really get confused. It’s had to think clearly when we’re in pain, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. That’s one of the reasons God gave us His Word. It is meant to be the compass that guides us in the storms of life, when we are unable to get our bearings from what we can see or think.

When all seems hopeless, when it feels as if God is far away, His Word tells us that He does not change, that all things work together for those who are called, and that He is love. Those promises never change, despite any turmoil that we are in.

Never judge any situation by what you feel. Feelings lie. The heart is a deceiver. God’s Word is true. He is the Rock of our salvation.