Job 22:2 - Eliphaz Exhorts Job
Audio Bible
Context
Eliphaz Exhorts Job
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: 2“Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him? 3Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless?…
Cross References
Romans 11:35-36
“Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” / For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.Psalm 16:2
I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.”Luke 17:10
So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.Acts 17:25
Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.Romans 11:34
“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?”Isaiah 40:13-14
Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?Proverbs 9:12
If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.1 Chronicles 29:14
But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.Psalm 50:9-12
I have no need for a bull from your stall or goats from your pens, / for every beast of the forest is Mine—the cattle on a thousand hills. / I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine. ...Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.1 Corinthians 4:7
For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?Romans 3:7
However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?Job 35:6-8
If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? If you multiply your transgressions, what do you do to Him? / If you are righteous, what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand? / Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a son of man.Psalm 68:18
You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.
Treasury of Scripture
Can a man be profitable to God, as he that is wise may be profitable to himself?
a man
Job 35:6-8
If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? …
Psalm 16:2
O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;
Luke 17:10
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
as he that, etc.
Job 21:15
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
Deuteronomy 10:13
To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?
Proverbs 3:13-18
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding…
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Benefit Possible Profit Profitable Surely Use Useful Vigorous Wisdom WiseJob 22
1. Eliphaz shows that man's goodness profits not God5. He accuses Job of various sins
21. He exhorts him to repentance, with promises of mercy
Can a man be of use to God?
This rhetorical question posed by Eliphaz suggests the transcendence and self-sufficiency of God. In the context of the Book of Job, Eliphaz is challenging Job's understanding of his relationship with God. Theologically, this reflects the belief that God is omnipotent and does not require human assistance to fulfill His purposes. Psalm 50:12 supports this idea, where God declares His independence from human needs. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of gods as beings who were often thought to require human service, contrasting with the biblical portrayal of Yahweh.
Can even a wise man benefit Him?
Eliphaz continues by questioning whether human wisdom can add anything to God. This reflects the biblical theme of God's wisdom surpassing human understanding, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God's thoughts and ways are higher than those of humans. Culturally, wisdom was highly valued in ancient societies, including Israel, as seen in the wisdom literature like Proverbs. However, this statement emphasizes that even the greatest human wisdom is insignificant compared to God's infinite wisdom. This can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament revelation of Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God in 1 Corinthians 1:24, indicating that true wisdom is found in a relationship with Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Eliphaz the Temanite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz is speaking, offering his perspective on Job's suffering and the nature of man's relationship with God.
2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, known for his patience and faithfulness amidst severe trials and suffering. Job's account is set in the land of Uz.
3. God
The Almighty Creator, whose sovereignty and wisdom are central themes in the Book of Job. The question posed by Eliphaz challenges the notion of human utility to God.
4. Teman
A region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, suggesting his reputation for wisdom.
5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, which explores themes of suffering, justice, and divine wisdom.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Self-Sufficiency
God is complete and perfect in Himself. He does not need anything from us to be fulfilled or complete. Our relationship with Him is not based on what we can offer but on His grace and love.
Human Limitations and Dependence on God
While humans cannot benefit God in a transactional sense, we are called to live in obedience and worship, which is for our benefit and His glory. Recognizing our limitations should lead us to humility and reliance on God.
Wisdom and Its True Source
True wisdom acknowledges God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him. Human wisdom, like that of Eliphaz, can be flawed if it does not align with God's truth.
Purpose of Good Works
Our good works are not to benefit God but to reflect His character and bring glory to Him. They are an expression of our faith and gratitude for His grace.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Job 22In Job 22:2–3, if God gains nothing from human righteousness, how do we reconcile this with other passages emphasizing God’s delight in obedience? How can a young man purify his path?What are the sins listed in the Bible?In Job 10:2, why does Job challenge God to clarify his wrongdoing if God is all-knowing and just?
(2) As he that is wise.--It is probably an independent statement: "Surely he that is wise is profitable, &c."
Hebrew
“Can a man
גָּ֑בֶר (gā·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply
be of use
יִסְכָּן־ (yis·kān-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5532: To be familiar with, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary
to God?
הַלְאֵ֥ל (hal·’êl)
Article, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty
Can even
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction
a wise man
מַשְׂכִּֽיל׃ (maś·kîl)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent
benefit
יִסְכֹּ֖ן (yis·kōn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5532: To be familiar with, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary
Him?
עָלֵ֣ימוֹ (‘ā·lê·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
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Job 22:2 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Job 22:2 Can a man be profitable to God? (Jb)