Verses 1-5
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Here Eliphaz tells Job that he had strengthened others in their adversity, but he cannot bear his own adversity. Truly, bearing one's own adversity is very different from helping someone else bear theirs (Proverbs 14:10). This is a “easier said than done” situation.
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The point? Do not despise a person for finding their own adversities hard to bear, even if they have often helped others with their adversities. They're not a hypocrite for being weaker than they appeared to be when they helped others. Trials of faith are hard for everyone who endures them; they are meant to be hard. So don't be insensitive or harsh.
Verses 6-11
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Then Eliphaz tells Job that he put his confidence in his own integrity, which he then casts doubt on, assuming that Job must have some sin in his life in order for adversity like this to come upon him. He thinks, “Why would God allow someone truly innocent to perish?” This is a false assumption.
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Although it's true that evil and calamity pursue the sinner (Proverbs 13:21), or that “those who sow iniquity reap the same” (verse 8), evil things can also happen to good, even blameless, people. Job was truly blameless (Job 1:1), and yet this evil befell him. The general rule, however, is that most adversities will pass by someone who walks uprightly and repents (Proverbs 12:21, 13:6).
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The lesson is this: Good and evil happens to everyone, so don't assume some sin in a troubled person's life without knowing facts accurately (Ecclesiastes 9:1-3).
Verses 17-21
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Eliphaz then adds that men are more flawed and sinful than any servant or angel of God, being mortal and possessing the sinful nature of the flesh (also see Job 15:15-16). This is true, but the principle is used incorrectly. This was Eliphaz' way of saying that Job must have some sin causing his adversity because people in general are sinful.
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However, the fact that mankind is fallen does not mean that every individual only experiences the adversity that their personal sin deserves. For we all suffer sometimes, even while doing good.
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Notice that Eliphaz claims his insights here came from a spirit that spoke to him in the night. Eliphaz thought this gave his words more weight because they came from a “spiritual” source. This spirit, however, came with a mysterious appearance and an eery sense of fear. Eliphaz then heard a voice, seemingly coming from this spirit, telling him something true, but, again, used incorrectly.
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What you see happening is what's most likely a demon coming to Eliphaz to twist a scriptural principle in such a way that it would cause more grief to Job rather than encouragement.
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Remember that, just like with Eliphaz, demons can speak to you, and they can even speak biblical truths, but twisted just enough that you don't detect any deception, causing you to repeat their words. But this leads only to harm, and all because you assumed your words were “spiritual”.
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Don't voice thoughts just because they sound godly or spiritual. Demons are masters of deception, frequently misusing biblical truth to trick the children of God. Make sure you do your best to verify your thoughts with the study of the Word, and especially before you teach someone else claim you're hearing from God!
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