Why?: A Study Through JobSample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp.”—Job 11:20 (NIV)

A good portion of the Book of Job is occupied with well-intentioned but flawed counsel. This comes in the form of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, coming alongside and speaking some choice words of “wisdom” to him. Today’s verse comes courtesy of Zophar, as he attempts to point Job in the right direction.

While Zophar’s words were not the medicine that Job needed at this particular point in time, they do contain an element of truth well worth our consideration. Zophar is taking a strong stance against wickedness, as he (and we) should. He maintains that those who are defined by wickedness will lose their sense of foresight, won’t escape when trouble comes, and will have nothing to hope for except death! That’s what you call a strong position!

Do you know what? It’s a good position to have, especially in this day and age. Sadly, wickedness, which we can define as that which runs contrary to the holiness of God, is becoming more and more acceptable, normalized, and even encouraged. Not just by the unbelieving world, but by the body of Christ, as well. 

I won’t go into specific detail, but we have seen a collective shift in priorities among many churches from holiness to relevancy. Behaviors that were understood to be wrong just a generation or two ago are now being tolerated and even encouraged. Wickedness, that which runs contrary to God’s holy character, is working its way into the Church. The result has been compromise that has severely weakened our witness for Christ.

This is why we would do well to pay attention to Zophar’s words here. We shouldn’t write off what he’s saying because what he’s saying about wickedness is actually true, even though its application to Job’s situation is wrong. Wickedness only ends in spiritual blindness and bondage.

We can respond one of two ways: 1) We can cross our arms, dig in our heels, and justify those things that God has clearly revealed to us as wicked according to the illumination of His Spirit or 2) we can embrace the truth and pursue holiness in those areas where it’s lacking according to the enabling of His Spirit. 

Truth is, our lives are heading in one direction or the other . . . and our direction will be determined by our position. It’s time to take a strong position against wickedness.

DIG: What did Zophar get right?

DISCOVER: Why shouldn’t we write off what Zophar said? How might you personally apply Zophar’s words here?        

DO: Examine your life and see if there are any areas of compromise. If so, give them up to the Lord and commit today to standing against wickedness.