[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOB 15
“What is man, that he could be pure, or one born of woman, that he could be righteous? If God places no trust in his holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in his eyes, how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil like water!” (Job 14-16)
“All his days the wicked man suffers torment, the ruthless through all the years stored up for him. ” (Job 15:20)
“Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return” (Job 15:31)
“For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tens of those who love bribes” (Job 15:34)
ELIPHAZ
The three friends of Job were older than Job. Since Job claimed to be wise, Eliphaz thought that age was a guarantee of wisdom. Therefore, he thought he was wiser than Job. Eliphaz accused Job of arguing with useless words and valueless speeches and without fear of God.
He asked these questions:
- Are you the first man ever born? (v., 7)
- Do you listen to God’s council and limit wisdom to yourself? (v. 8)
- What insights you know that we do not know? (v. 9)
- Are God’s consolation not enough for you? (v. 11)
- When do you vent your rage against God? (v. 13)
Then he described the fate of the wicked man as follows:
- He suffers torment all the years (v. 20)
- Terrifying sounds fill his ears and marauders attack him (v. 21)
- He will not escape the sword (v. 22)
- He wanders around to look for food (v. 23)
- Distress, anguish and terror fill him overwhelmingly (v. 24)
- He will inhabit ruined towns and houses crumbling to rubble (v. 28)
- His wealth and possessions will no longer be his (v. 29)
- The breath of God’s mouth will carry him away (v. 30)
- He trusted what is worthless and get nothing in return (v. 31)
- He will be paid in full before his time (v. 32)
- He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms (v. 33)
- He will be barren and fire will consume him (v. 34)
- He conceives trouble and gives birth to evil and deceit (v. 35)
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