A Conclusion

After the LORD had finished speaking to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has. So take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer on your behalf. I will not treat you as you deserve, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did as the LORD commanded them, and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer. [Job 42.7-9]

We have to look at what God said here in a chronological sense or else we risk missing what was said.

God told Job's three friends they had misspoken about Him, but that Job had spoken accurately. Okay, so, when did Job speak accurately? We must remember that in verse 6 preceding the passage above, Job said:

 I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” [Job 42.6]

Job only spoke accurately about God after he repented. Otherwise, Job would have had no reason to repent!! Job's failure (that required his repentance) was the arrogant tirade of stupid things he said!

Job's three friends evidently weren't so quick to repent. However, they did comply with God's instructions and apparently Job forgave them (on behalf of God??).

My conclusion is that, in my own life, I will do much better if I keep my mouth shut (when it comes to opinions), keep my knees sore (when it comes to repentance), and keep my eyes focused (when it comes to seeking God's kingdom).

Father, You are so good and faithful. Help me to be slow to speak and quick to listen to You.