A look at Irrational Criticism

Read Job 22.

Few things feel more bizarre and bewildering than to be falsely accused.  On one hand, the blame is absolutely meaningless because it does not apply.  On the other hand, it is hurtful to hear that others would think such things about you.

Critics often emotionally jump to judgment, many times harshly, without first seeking to understand the facts. Job had done nothing wrong to warrant his misery.  In fact, his selection to experience this test was due to his godliness and outstanding behavior.  But that did not stop Job's critics.

This chapter begins the third and final round of the back and forth between Job, Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz.

There appears to be no small amount of wealth-envy in Eliphaz' list of sins he thinks Job must have committed.  Surely the reason this once prosperous man lost everything was due to his failure to use his blessings to help others.  But Eliphaz concocted his argument from his own imagination.  None of it was true.

At the conclusion, he called upon Job to repent.  Here, Eliphaz turned and demonstrated some wonderful theological understanding.  He expressed several statements that are bedrock to our faith.

1. "Agree with God, and be at peace." (v.21)

Compare 1 John 1:9

2. "Then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver." (v.25)

Compare 1 Peter 1:7

3. "You will make your prayer to him and he will hear you." (v.27)

Compare Jeremiah 33:3

4. "He saves the lowly." (v.29b)

Compare James 4:6

5. "He delivers even the one who is not innocent." (v.30)

Compare Romans 3:23-24

Concerning criticism, Rick Warren wrote: "Amazingly, sometimes people who know the most about the doctrines of grace are the least gracious; they are ungracious."  Those of us who have experienced God's grace are most equipped to be gracious to others.