WEBNETListen to the readings for Dec 9 from the NET Bible (Video)
or the World English Bible
This page is now calculating which verses have comments and referenced comments. Please be patient.
You will not be able to view any Comments in the Verse sections below until this notice disappears
Notes that are not verse specific
11:2 'Full of talk' is hardly a compliment! Zophar is saying that Job talks too much. We must be careful when seeking to help those in distress, to be willing to just listen to them without interruption.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
WISHING JUDGEMENT
Zophar was agitated that Job said that he hadn't sinned and that he was pure in God's sight. Zophar was sure that Job was wrong - after all, he thought, God must be punishing Job for his sin. So Zophar voiced a wish. He said, Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides."
Zophar's wish did eventually come true. But the result wasn't what he had expected. God did answer Job and he put him back in his rightful, humble place. But God also told Job to pray for his friends - including Zophar, so that he would not deal with them as their sins deserved. He told them that he was angry with them because they had not spoken the truth about him as Job had.
God can see the big picture. The men in the story of Job may have thought they could see the whole picture of what was going on, but in actual fact their view was very lopsided. We too can have the same problem when we judge another person and wish a judgement on them. But beware: If we haven't seen the big picture that same judgement might fall on us as it did to Zophar.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
Zophar uses the phrase: none shall make thee afraid (v.19). The same promise of peace, safety, and security is echoed by the prophets concerning the future of Israel (Eze 34:28; Mic 4:4; Zeph 3:13).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Michael
This is Zophar's first speech. His words are the most cutting of all Job's companions. Zophar is accurate in some of the things he says - but, it is his intent that is wrong. Using God's truth to judge (condemn) another is not the prerogative of man - that is the job of the LORD alone. We can point out faults to our brethren, but it should be for their learning and spiritual wellbeing. The scriptures show us how (2Tim 2:24-26).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
Although the pattern of Job's three friend's application of words is seen throughout the book, most of the things that are spoken by Job's 3 friends can be right in themselves in their own context, but not all. (e.g Job 15:15, of which Eliphaz mentions). However when they are applied to Job, there is misapplication of context for which is one of the major causes associated with the problem in this ecclesia, that is the doctrine of exact retribution, and the problem of envy and jealousy amongst the sons of God.
Job Ch 11-Ch 14 ZOPHAR'S OPENING SPEECH AND JOB'S REPLY
Job Ch 11 - First speech by Zophar the bigot.
V1-2 Zophar's opening words beginning with an argument based upon assumption
V 2-3 Zophar's assumption that Job is boastful and irreverent
V4 Zophar's charge that Job is self righteous
V5-6 Zophar's application to Job that if God was to speak now, then Job would face condemnation as Job's suffering appears to be less than what he deserves
V7 God's wisdom and power cannot be comprehended by man
V8-9 The wisdom of God is greater then the the four realms of the universe.
v8 The heavens and the grave
v9 The earth and the sea
V10 God is all powerful for which no one can hinder him.
V11 God is aware of man's wickedness
V12 A Foolish man cannot be taught
V13-14 Exhortation to repentance
V 15-19 Blessings will follow repentance
V20 The fate of the wicked
Matthew Hawkins [Townsville, Australia] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Matthew
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse 
Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. Then answered <6030>(8799) Zophar <6691> the Naamathite <5284>, and said <559>(8799),
2. Should not the multitude <7230> of words <1697> be answered <6030>(8735)? and should a man <376> full of talk <8193> be justified <6663>(8799)?
3. Should thy lies <907> make <2790> <0> men <4962> hold their peace <2790>(8686)? and when thou mockest <3932>(8799), shall no man make thee ashamed <3637>(8688)?
4. For thou hast said <559>(8799), My doctrine <3948> is pure <2134>, and I am clean <1249> in thine eyes <5869>.
5. But <199> oh that <5414>(8799) God <433> would speak <1696>(8763), and open <6605>(8799) his lips <8193> against thee;
6. And that he would shew <5046>(8686) thee the secrets <8587> of wisdom <2451>, that they are double <3718> to that which is <8454>! Know <3045>(8798) therefore that God <433> exacteth <5382>(8686) of thee less than thine iniquity <5771> deserveth.
7. Canst thou by searching <2714> find out <4672>(8799) God <433>? canst thou find <4672>(8799) out the Almighty <7706> unto perfection <8503>?
8. It is as high <1363> as heaven <8064>; what canst thou do <6466>(8799)? deeper <6013> than hell <7585>; what canst thou know <3045>(8799)?
9. The measure <4055> thereof is longer <752> than the earth <776>, and broader <7342> than the sea <3220>.
10. If he cut off <2498>(8799), and shut up <5462>(8686), or gather together <6950>(8686), then who can hinder <7725>(8686) him?
11. For he knoweth <3045>(8804) vain <7723> men <4962>: he seeth <7200>(8799) wickedness <205> also; will he not then consider <995>(8709) it?
12. For vain <5014>(8803) man <376> would be wise <3823>(8735), though man <120> be born <3205>(8735) like a wild ass's <6501> colt <5895>.
13. If thou prepare <3559>(8689) thine heart <3820>, and stretch <6566>(8804) out thine hands <3709> toward him;
14. If iniquity <205> be in thine hand <3027>, put it far away <7368>(8685), and let not wickedness <5766> dwell <7931>(8686) in thy tabernacles <168>.
15. For then shalt thou lift up <5375>(8799) thy face <6440> without spot <3971>; yea, thou shalt be stedfast <3332>(8716), and shalt not fear <3372>(8799):
16. Because thou shalt forget <7911>(8799) thy misery <5999>, and remember <2142>(8799) it as waters <4325> that pass away <5674>(8804):
17. And thine age <2465> shall be clearer <6965>(8799) than the noonday <6672>; thou shalt shine forth <5774>(8799), thou shalt be as the morning <1242>.
18. And thou shalt be secure <982>(8804), because there is <3426> hope <8615>; yea, thou shalt dig <2658>(8804) about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest <7901>(8799) in safety <983>.
19. Also thou shalt lie down <7257>(8804), and none shall make thee afraid <2729>(8688); yea, many <7227> shall make suit <2470>(8765) unto thee <6440>.
20. But the eyes <5869> of the wicked <7563> shall fail <3615>(8799), and they shall not escape <6>(8804) <4498>, and their hope <8615> shall be as the giving up <4646> of the ghost <5315>.
Notes that are not verse specific
7:7 I will look unto the Lord catches the language of Isaiah 8:17. Micah and Isaiah were contemporary telling the same message
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
WHAT GOD IS LIKE YOU?
"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry for ever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be true to Jacob, and show mercy to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our fathers in days long ago."
Not only is this promise to Israel, but it also applies to those of us who have accepted the LORD as our God and who have been grafted into the olive tree through Christ. What other God has ever offered these blessings? None that I know of! It is only through our God that we can have our sins forgiven and thrown away so completely - "hurled into the depths of the sea!" The grace and mercy that he offers us is so deep and so much more than we could ever receive any where else. Most gods are gods of vengeance, purging and punishing for sin. But our God is forgiving, merciful and loving. What a blessing to be loved and forgiven by the one true God!
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. Woe <480> is me! for I am as when they have gathered <625> the summer fruits <7019>, as the grapegleanings <5955> of the vintage <1210>: there is no cluster <811> to eat <398>(8800): my soul <5315> desired <183>(8765) the firstripe fruit <1063>.
2. The good <2623> man is perished <6>(8804) out of the earth <776>: and there is none upright <3477> among men <120>: they all lie in wait <693>(8799) for blood <1818>; they hunt <6679>(8799) every man <376> his brother <251> with a net <2764>.
3. That they may do evil <7451> with both hands <3709> earnestly <3190>(8687), the prince <8269> asketh <7592>(8802), and the judge <8199>(8802) asketh for a reward <7966>; and the great <1419> man, he uttereth <1696>(8802) his mischievous <1942> desire <5315>: so they wrap it up <5686>(8762).
4. The best <2896> of them is as a brier <2312>: the most upright <3477> is sharper than a thorn hedge <4534>: the day <3117> of thy watchmen <6822>(8764) and thy visitation <6486> cometh <935>(8804); now shall be their perplexity <3998>.
5. Trust <539>(8686) ye not in a friend <7453>, put ye not confidence <982>(8799) in a guide <441>: keep <8104>(8798) the doors <6607> of thy mouth <6310> from her that lieth <7901>(8802) in thy bosom <2436>.
6. For the son <1121> dishonoureth <5034>(8764) the father <1>, the daughter <1323> riseth up <6965>(8801) against her mother <517>, the daughter in law <3618> against her mother in law <2545>; a man's <376> enemies <341>(8802) are the men <582> of his own house <1004>.
7. Therefore I will look <6822>(8762) unto the LORD <3068>; I will wait <3176>(8686) for the God <430> of my salvation <3468>: my God <430> will hear <8085>(8799) me.
8. Rejoice <8055>(8799) not against me, O mine enemy <341>(8802): when I fall <5307>(8804), I shall arise <6965>(8804); when I sit <3427>(8799) in darkness <2822>, the LORD <3068> shall be a light <216> unto me.
9. I will bear <5375>(8799) the indignation <2197> of the LORD <3068>, because I have sinned <2398>(8804) against him, until he plead <7378>(8799) my cause <7379>, and execute <6213>(8804) judgment <4941> for me: he will bring me forth <3318>(8686) to the light <216>, and I shall behold <7200>(8799) his righteousness <6666>.
10. Then she that is mine enemy <341>(8802) shall see <7200>(8799) it, and shame <955> shall cover <3680>(8762) her which said <559>(8802) unto me, Where is the LORD <3068> thy God <430>? mine eyes <5869> shall behold <7200>(8799) her: now shall she be trodden down <4823> as the mire <2916> of the streets <2351>.
11. In the day <3117> that thy walls <1447> are to be built <1129>(8800), in that day <3117> shall the decree <2706> be far removed <7368>(8799).
12. In that day <3117> also he shall come <935>(8799) even to thee from Assyria <804>, and from the fortified <4693> cities <5892>, and from the fortress <4693> even to the river <5104>, and from sea <3220> to sea <3220>, and from mountain <2022> to mountain <2022>.
13. Notwithstanding the land <776> shall be desolate <8077> because of them that dwell <3427>(8802) therein, for the fruit <6529> of their doings <4611>.
14. Feed <7462>(8798) thy people <5971> with thy rod <7626>, the flock <6629> of thine heritage <5159>, which dwell <7931>(8802) solitarily <910> in the wood <3293>, in the midst <8432> of Carmel <3760>: let them feed <7462>(8799) in Bashan <1316> and Gilead <1568>, as in the days <3117> of old <5769>.
15. According to the days <3117> of thy coming <3318>(8800) out of the land <776> of Egypt <4714> will I shew <7200>(8686) unto him marvellous <6381>(8737) things.
16. The nations <1471> shall see <7200>(8799) and be confounded <954>(8799) at all their might <1369>: they shall lay <7760>(8799) their hand <3027> upon their mouth <6310>, their ears <241> shall be deaf <2790>(8799).
17. They shall lick <3897>(8762) the dust <6083> like a serpent <5175>, they shall move <7264>(8799) out of their holes <4526> like worms <2119>(8801) of the earth <776>: they shall be afraid <6342>(8799) of the LORD <3068> our God <430>, and shall fear <3372>(8799) because of thee.
18. Who is a God <410> like unto thee, that pardoneth <5375>(8802) iniquity <5771>, and passeth by <5674>(8802) the transgression <6588> of the remnant <7611> of his heritage <5159>? he retaineth <2388>(8689) not his anger <639> for ever <5703>, because he delighteth <2654>(8804) in mercy <2617>.
19. He will turn again <7725>(8799), he will have compassion <7355>(8762) upon us; he will subdue <3533>(8799) our iniquities <5771>; and thou wilt cast <7993>(8686) all their sins <2403> into the depths <4688> of the sea <3220>.
20. Thou wilt perform <5414>(8799) the truth <571> to Jacob <3290>, and the mercy <2617> to Abraham <85>, which thou hast sworn <7650>(8738) unto our fathers <1> from the days <3117> of old <6924>.
Notes that are not verse specific
3:12-17 The recurring use of 'wise' 'wisdom' against the background of 3:9 - in the image of God - takes us back to Eden. Adam and Eve, though in the 'image and likeness of God' wanted to be like the angels - the wisdom that the serpent presented actually destroyed the prospect.
4:8 'draw near' 1 Kings 18:30
'double minded' 1 Kings 18:21
draws on the time of Elijah. Just as Israel had to make a choice as to whether to serve Baal or Yahweh - there was no middle way - the same was true for James' brethren and for us also.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
3:17 The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Imagine you visited an ecclesia where everyone demonstrated these attributes to each other. You would want to join that ecclesia. So why not go home to your ecclesia and demonstrate those same attributes to everyone in your home ecclesia?
Be the person you would like others to be!
This is especially true in all of our relationships - especially marriage and parenting. Be the person that you would like others to emulate. Your relationships will become more energised and fulfilling and peaceful.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. My <3450> brethren <80>, be <1096>(5737) not <3361> many <4183> masters <1320>, knowing <1492>(5761) that <3754> we shall receive <2983>(5695) the greater <3187> condemnation <2917>.
2. For <1063> in many things <4183> we offend <4417>(5719) all <537>. If any man <1536> offend <4417>(5719) not <3756> in <1722> word <3056>, the same <3778> is a perfect <5046> man <435>, and able <1415> also <2532> to bridle <5468>(5658) the whole <3650> body <4983>.
3. Behold <2400>(5628), we put <906>(5719) bits <5469> in <1519> the horses <2462>' mouths <4750>, that <4314> they <846> may obey <3982>(5745) us <2254>; and <2532> we turn about <3329>(5719) their <846> whole <3650> body <4983>.
4. Behold <2400>(5628) also <2532> the ships <4143>, which though they be <5607>(5752) so great <5082>, and <2532> are driven <1643>(5746) of <5259> fierce <4642> winds <417>, yet are they turned about <3329>(5743) with <5259> a very small <1646> helm <4079>, whithersoever <3699> <302> the governor <2116>(5723) listeth <3730> <1014>(5741).
5. Even <2532> so <3779> the tongue <1100> is <2076>(5748) a little <3398> member <3196>, and <2532> boasteth great things <3166>(5719). Behold <2400>(5628), how great <2245> a matter <5208> a little <3641> fire <4442> kindleth <381>(5719)!
6. And <2532> the tongue <1100> is a fire <4442>, a world <2889> of iniquity <93>: so <3779> is <2525>(5743) the tongue <1100> among <1722> our <2257> members <3196>, that it defileth <4695>(5723) the whole <3650> body <4983>, and <2532> setteth on fire <5394>(5723) the course <5164> of nature <1078>; and <2532> it is set on fire <5394>(5746) of <5259> hell <1067>.
7. For <1063> every <3956> kind <5449> of beasts <2342>, and <5037> <2532> of birds <4071>, and <5037> of serpents <2062>, and <2532> of things in the sea <1724>, is tamed <1150>(5743), and <2532> hath been tamed <1150>(5769) of mankind <5449> <442>:
8. But <1161> the tongue <1100> can <1410>(5736) no <3762> man <444> tame <1150>(5658); it is an unruly <183> evil <2556>, full <3324> of deadly <2287> poison <2447>.
9. Therewith <1722> <846> bless we <2127>(5719) God <2316>, even <2532> the Father <3962>; and <2532> therewith <1722> <846> curse we <2672>(5736) men <444>, which <3588> are made <1096>(5756) after <2596> the similitude <3669> of God <2316>.
10. Out of <1537> the same <846> mouth <4750> proceedeth <1831>(5736) blessing <2129> and <2532> cursing <2671>. My <3450> brethren <80>, these things <5023> ought <5534>(5724) not <3756> so <3779> to be <1096>(5738).
11. Doth <3385> a fountain <4077> send forth <1032>(5719) at <1537> the same <846> place <3692> sweet <1099> water and <2532> bitter <4089>?
12. Can <3361> <1410>(5736) the fig tree <4808>, my <3450> brethren <80>, bear <4160>(5658) olive berries <1636>? either <2228> a vine <288>, figs <4810>? so <3779> can no <3762> fountain <4077> both yield <4160>(5658) salt <252> water <5204> and <2532> fresh <1099>.
13. Who <5101> is a wise man <4680> and <2532> endued with knowledge <1990> among <1722> you <5213>? let him shew <1166>(5657) out of <1537> a good <2570> conversation <391> his <848> works <2041> with <1722> meekness <4240> of wisdom <4678>.
14. But <1161> if <1487> ye have <2192>(5719) bitter <4089> envying <2205> and <2532> strife <2052> in <1722> your <5216> hearts <2588>, glory <2620>(5737) not <3361>, and <2532> lie not <5574>(5732) against <2596> the truth <225>.
15. This <3778> wisdom <4678> descendeth <2076>(5748) <2718>(5740) not <3756> from above <509>, but <235> is earthly <1919>, sensual <5591>, devilish <1141>.
16. For <1063> where <3699> envying <2205> and <2532> strife <2052> is, there <1563> is confusion <181> and <2532> every <3956> evil <5337> work <4229>.
17. But <1161> the wisdom <4678> that is from above <509> is <2076>(5748) first <4412> pure <3303> <53>, then <1899> peaceable <1516>, gentle <1933>, and easy to be intreated <2138>, full <3324> of mercy <1656> and <2532> good <18> fruits <2590>, without partiality <87>, and <2532> without hypocrisy <505>.
18. And <1161> the fruit <2590> of righteousness <1343> is sown <4687>(5743) in <1722> peace <1515> of them that make <4160>(5723) peace <1515>.
1. From whence <4159> come wars <4171> and <2532> fightings <3163> among <1722> you <5213>? come they not <3756> hence <1782>, even of <1537> your <5216> lusts <2237> that war <4754>(5734) in <1722> your <5216> members <3196>?
2. Ye lust <1937>(5719), and <2532> have <2192>(5719) not <3756>: ye kill <5407>(5719), and <2532> desire to have <2206>(5719), and <2532> cannot <3756> <1410>(5736) obtain <2013>(5629): ye fight <3164>(5736) and <2532> war <4170>(5719), yet <1161> ye have <2192>(5719) not <3756>, because <1223> ye <5209> ask <154>(5733) not <3361>.
3. Ye ask <154>(5719), and <2532> receive <2983>(5719) not <3756>, because <1360> ye ask <154>(5731) amiss <2560>, that <2443> ye may consume <1159>(5661) it upon <1722> your <5216> lusts <2237>.
4. Ye adulterers <3432> and <2532> adulteresses <3428>, know ye <1492>(5758) not <3756> that <3754> the friendship <5373> of the world <2889> is <2076>(5748) enmity <2189> with God <2316>? whosoever <3739> <302> therefore <3767> will be <1511>(5750) <1014>(5680) a friend <5384> of the world <2889> is <2525>(5743) the enemy <2190> of God <2316>.
5. <2228> Do ye think <1380>(5719) that <3754> the scripture <1124> saith <3004>(5719) in vain <2761>, The spirit <4151> that <3739> dwelleth <2730>(5656) in <1722> us <2254> lusteth <1971>(5719) to <4314> envy <5355>?
6. But <1161> he giveth <1325>(5719) more <3187> grace <5485>. Wherefore <1352> he saith <3004>(5719), God <2316> resisteth <498>(5731) the proud <5244>, but <1161> giveth <1325>(5719) grace <5485> unto the humble <5011>.
7. Submit yourselves <5293>(5649) therefore <3767> to God <2316>. Resist <436>(5628) the devil <1228>, and <2532> he will flee <5343>(5695) from <575> you <5216>.
8. Draw nigh <1448>(5657) to God <2316>, and <2532> he will draw nigh <1448>(5692) to you <5213>. Cleanse <2511>(5657) your hands <5495>, ye sinners <268>; and <2532> purify <48>(5657) your hearts <2588>, ye double minded <1374>.
9. Be afflicted <5003>(5657), and <2532> mourn <3996>(5657), and <2532> weep <2799>(5657): let your <5216> laughter <1071> be turned <3344>(5649) to <1519> mourning <3997>, and <2532> your joy <5479> to <1519> heaviness <2726>.
10. Humble yourselves <5013>(5682) in the sight <1799> of the Lord <2962>, and <2532> he shall lift <5312> <0> you <5209> up <5312>(5692).
11. Speak <2635> <0> not <3361> evil <2635>(5720) one of another <240>, brethren <80>. He that speaketh evil <2635>(5723) of his brother <80>, and <2532> judgeth <2919>(5723) his <848> brother <80>, speaketh evil <2635>(5719) of the law <3551>, and <2532> judgeth <2919>(5719) the law <3551>: but <1161> if <1487> thou judge <2919>(5719) the law <3551>, thou art <1488>(5748) not <3756> a doer <4163> of the law <3551>, but <235> a judge <2923>.
12. There is <2076>(5748) one <1520> lawgiver <3550>, who <3588> is able <1410>(5740) to save <4982>(5658) and <2532> to destroy <622>(5658): who <5101> art <1488>(5748) thou <4771> that judgest <2919>(5719) another <2087>?
13. Go to <33>(5720) now <3568>, ye that say <3004>(5723), To day <4594> or <2532> to morrow <839> we will go <4198>(5667) into <1519> such <3592> a city <4172>, and <2532> continue <4160>(5661)(5625) <4160>(5692) there <1563> a <1520> year <1763>, and <2532> buy and sell <1710>(5667)(5625) <1710>(5695), and <2532> get gain <2770>(5661)(5625) <2770>(5692):
14. Whereas <3748> ye know <1987>(5736) not <3756> what shall be on <3588> the morrow <839>. For <1063> what <4169> is your <5216> life <2222>? It is <2076>(5748) even <1063> a vapour <822>, that <4314> appeareth for <5316>(5730) a little time <3641>, and <1161> then <1899> vanisheth away <853>(5746).
15. For that <473> ye <5209> ought to say <3004>(5721), If <1437> the Lord <2962> will <2309>(5661), <2532> we shall live <2198>(5661)(5625) <2198>(5692), and <2532> do <4160>(5661)(5625) <4160>(5692) this <5124>, or <2228> that <1565>.
16. But <1161> now <3568> ye rejoice <2744>(5736) in <1722> your <5216> boastings <212>: all <3956> such <5108> rejoicing <2746> is <2076>(5748) evil <4190>.
17. Therefore <3767> to him that knoweth <1492>(5761) to do <4160>(5721) good <2570>, and <2532> doeth <4160>(5723) it not <3361>, to him <846> it is <2076>(5748) sin <266>.
loading...
