Job argued that he, also, knew and understood what his friends knew was true about the Lord. He claimed in Job 12:3 that he wasn’t the least bit inferior to them, although they treated him, as if he were, and he repeats his sentiment here in Job 13:2. Moreover, Job contended that he was indebted to no one for his understanding, claiming he experienced it all through his own senses (Job 13:1). On the contrary, not only wasn’t Job inferior to his friends, concerning their common understanding of the greatness of God, but he charged them with offering mere juvenile assertions of his governance, asking who wasn’t aware of their claims about God (Job 12:3)? In other words, their efforts to support an insupportable doctrine, namely, that God always punishes evil behavior, they became foolish in their use or interpretation of wisdom (cp. Romans 1:22).
We often see this in our own times, whereby folks misuse the truth in an effort to support falsehood, or act wickedly in order to defend what they presume is true, believing the end justifies the means! Job, the innocent, was scorned, laughed at and judged rashly (Job 12:4-5), because his friends believed his calamity proved his guilt, and he suffered under the judgment of God.
Job expressed a desire for an audience with God (Job 13:3) in an effort to come to an understanding, as to why he was being treated so unfairly (cp. Job 10:2). He not only believed this was possible (Isaiah 1:18), but it was desired by the Lord as well (Isaiah 43:26). However, Job’s friends kept interfering with his efforts, alleging he was a wicked man, who would be judged severely, if such a thing were to occur.
Therefore, although it is his desire to speak with God, Job felt it necessary to address his friends’ arguments, as though they represented the Lord, as his personal prosecuting attorneys in a court of law. Job charged his friends with being forgers of lies (Job 13:4), because, not only had they taken what he claimed out of context (cp. Job 11:4), but they had rashly accused him of evil behavior (cp. Job 4:7-8; 11:5-6). He, therefore, tells them to be silent, and their silence would be accounted as their wisdom (Job 13:5; cp. Proverbs 17:28). In other words, be silent and listen. Listen and harken to what I have to say to you (Job 13:6), for, although they had treated him unfairly, Job honestly cared for his friends’ welfare (Job 13:7-12), which would be in jeopardy, if they went on misrepresenting the Lord.
Job accused his friends of trying to defend God, as though he were too weak to contend for himself (Job 13:7; cp. Judges 6:31). Yet, when they sought to speak for the Lord, they did so fraudulently. Continuing in the context of a court of law, they took up their defense of God by accepting his person (Job 13:8). Thus, taking a “God is on our side” attitude, they contended for him without considering the legitimacy of the words they used in his favor. The wrath of man doesn’t serve the righteousness of God (James 1:20; cp. Romans 3:7-8; Isaiah 66:5; John 16:2).[1]
Therefore, asking them to consider their behavior, Job warns them that the Lord wouldn’t take it lightly, if they spoke lies to curry his favor, and he won’t be deceived with such behavior, as men might be (Job 13:9). In other words, it would be a grave mistake to take a “God is on our side” attitude, while defending the Lord, believing God would stand behind such a man, no matter the means taken on his behalf. The Lord is just and won’t stand for such behavior, even though it’s done in an effort to honor him (Job 13:10). If God is perfect, won’t their own misrepresentations of him come under his perfect scrutiny, and, if their analysis of his judgment is imperfect, won’t he make it right? Moreover, if the Lord chooses to defend his honor, how do they believe they would fare, if such an event would take place (Job 13:11)?
It seems Job’s friends had leaned upon records of ancient wisdom and had drawn out pithy moral precepts, which were nothing more than worthless proverbs, whose strongholds are made of clay, and whose arguments were easily refuted (Job 13:12; cp. 2Corinthians 10:4-5). It would be better for them to be silent, and cease their false accusations against Job, and let the Lord deal with him as he chooses (Job 13:13).
________________________________________________
[1] As I write this study in April of 2022, I can’t help but be mindful of our present day political/religious arena. Many modern Christians take a “God is on our side” posture, while entering the political arena. Thus, their political point of view becomes God’s will. We join forces with the power that crucified Christ in an effort to bring about the will of God, never acknowledging the word of God we do, namely, don’t become unequally yoked with unbelievers (2Corinthians 6:11). There doesn’t seem to be a limit at how much evil good folks can do in the name of God. Imagine!
Smoodock's Blog 