Job 22:1-30
A third series of discourses begins here. Until now the three friends had spoken of the wicked person in a general way: he does this, he deserves that (Job 15:20). Now Eliphaz lays bare the real substance of his thoughts by using direct accusations: your wickedness, your iniquities (v. 5). How far this man and his two companions are from the teachings of the Lord who commands us to judge ourselves first before trying to remove the mote from our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5). And also how far away from His example – He who humbled Himself to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15).
In comparing v. 3 with what the LORD said to Satan (Job 1:8; Job 2:3), we can see how little Eliphaz knows God. On the contrary, nothing is more pleasing to Him than a man who practises righteousness (Acts 10:35).
As we read these words, we should always listen to what the Spirit of God wishes to tell us. If, for example, one of our young readers does not yet have peace with God, he should obey the injunction in v. 21:– "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee" (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20). As for the following verse, it should speak to us all – "Receive . . . the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart".