11:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:
Zophar means “a sparrow.” He is a know-it-all legalist with a mean tongue. His argument is similar to that of an atheist. He believed in a law of the universe, but not in the law of God.
11:2 “Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?
Zophar condemned Job for being a man who talks too much, but with a bunch of empty words.
11:3 Will your idle talk reduce people to silence, and will no one rebuke you when you mock?
Job needed to be rebuked, because he talked too much with empty words.
11:4 For you have said, ‘My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.’
Job never claimed sinlessness, but he did claim that he had not committed some kind of terrible secret sin which deserved the suffering that he was receiving. Job had confessed all known sins. He had offered sacrifices for himself and family.
11:5 But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you,
If God would speak, then He would condemn Job himself for his many empty words. Since God was not speaking to Job, Zophar will speak in the place of God.
11:6 and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom— for true wisdom has two sides— so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.
Divine wisdom has two sides: one that man sees, and another known only to God. Zophar should have applied his point to himself.
11:7 “Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out
the perfection of the Almighty?
No one can seek God and find Him. God must seek man. The Russians went into space, but they came back and said that they did not see God. It is foolish to think that one can find God with a little space gadget in the vastness of God’s space. Neither can one find God through a telescope, a microscope, through nature, or through charismatic experiences. God only reveals Himself today through the written Word of God.
11:8 It is higher than the heavens—what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
God’s wisdom is higher than the heavens and deeper than Sheol, but Job already knew that.
11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
God’s wisdom is longer than the earth and broader than the sea, but Job already knew that as well.
11:10 If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him?
Zophar is speaking of Job here, but not of himself. Zophar is the know-it-all man with all of the answers.
11:11 For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it?
God can discern deceitful men, meaning that Zophar thinks that Job is one of them.
11:12 But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey’s colt is born a human being.
The chances of Job becoming wise is the same as the chances of a stupid donkey giving birth to an intelligent human being. Zophar was calling Job an idiot.
11:13 “As for you, if you prove faithful, and if you stretch out your hands toward him, 11:14 if iniquity is in your hand—put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents.
Zophar’s advice was that Job needed to pray to God and stop sinning.
11:15 For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear.
If Job will confess his secret sin, then God will restore his position.
11:16 For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away.
If Job will confess his secret sin, then all of his troubles will leave him.
11:17 And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning.
If Job will confess his secret sin, then Job’s life will be as bright as noon day. Job will still experience darkness, but the darkness will be like the morning. His troubles will not be minor compared to what he was experiencing at that time.
11:18 And you will be secure, because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety.
If Job will confess his secret sin, then he will be secure once again. Job will be protected. Job will be able to rest in safety.
11:19 You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will seek your favor.
If Job will confess his secret sin, then no one will be able to make him fear. Many will come to Job, seeking favors.
11:20 But the eyes of the wicked fail, and escape eludes them; their one hope is to breathe their last.”
Zophar reminded Job that if he did not confess his sins, and if he continued in his evil ways, then Job would fall. Job would attempt to escape from danger, but escape would be impossible. Job’s only hope from suffering would be death.
This is the advice of the know-it-all atheist. Like the other two “friends” of Job, Zophar did not know God, Job, himself, or the situation. As a know-it-all, he told Job that his suffering was caused by his own sin.