1. Eliphaz's third speech ch. 22

In his third speech Eliphaz was even more discourteous than he had been previously.

 God's disinterest in Job 22:1-5

Verse 2 should end "Him"(i.e., God) rather than "himself"(i.e., the wise man).

These verses reveal Eliphaz's very deficient concept of God. To him God did not delight in fellowship with man or in blessing man. His only reason for intervening in life was to punish people when they misbehaved. Many people today share this unfortunate view of God. Truly God does not need people, but He delights in our righteousness and fellowship.

 Job's social sins 22:6-11

Verse 8 probably reflects what Eliphaz thought Job's attitude was. Eliphaz implied that Job arrogantly believed the strong, respected man of the world, not the godly man, is the one who controls others and dominates those around him.¹⁰⁰

Were Eliphaz's accusations valid? Were these sins Job had really committed? Job denied them in 31:16-22.

 Job's spiritual defiance 22:12-20

Eliphaz proceeded next to judge Job's motives. He assumed Job had concluded that because God was far away in heaven he would get away with sin on earth. However, Job had affirmed God's omniscience (21:22). Perhaps Eliphaz had in mind the wicked of Noah's generation in verses 15-16. In verse 18a Eliphaz seems to be admitting that some of the wicked do prosper temporarily. In his view Job had been one of these fortunate individuals.

 Job's need to repent 22:21-30

This appeal sounds almost tender. However, Eliphaz had been very condemning in what he had just accused Job of doing and thinking. Job did not need to repent, as Eliphaz suggested (v. 23). He was not suffering because he had sinned greatly.

We should not use this type of approach when appealing to the unsaved today because God does not require reformation before He will accept a sinner. Furthermore He does not promise physical prosperity to those who repent. Again Eliphaz's basic retribution theology led him to misrepresent God and to misunderstand life.