Job 22:29 Commentary and Bible Study

Eliphaz speaks of the power that Job will have to help and encourage others who have fallen because of their proud ways. Just as, in Eliphaz estimation, he has now fallen through pride, when he is recovered he will be able to help others who have fallen into the same trap with a well-chosen word of admonition. Eliphaz is trying to encourage Job by saying that though his fall has been great, good can still come out of it. He must be frustrated that his own words are having so little effect of this kind on Job. Yet he attributes to the godly the power to deliver others even though those others have fallen through their own sin. God gives a genuine power of intercession to the upright in heart so that he takes account of their prayers and their admonitions to bring about remarkable things in the lives of the wayward. It is a wonderful blessing to be used in this way especially as not one single man can claim to be free of sin himself. Who are we that we should be used to help others, and yet God gives us this gracious gift also. But we must do this work with the greatest humility as those who fully grasp how much they have been forgiven and who could easily slip again themselves if they do not watch and pray.Nevertheless, Eliphaz again misses the mark and does not know the man he is speaking to. His exhortations might have been appropriate to others but not to Job. This is the last time he speaks and he has failed to convince Job, not because Job is stubbornly refusing to accept admonition, but because Eliphaz has not addressed the real issues or recognised the real dilemma.False accusation is a temptation too hard to resist for those who have strong hatred in their hearts. The hatred of the world towards the children of Christ makes them unable to hold back. The mind of the unbeliever conjures up such a detestable image that it draws into it all manner of imaginary wicked actions: ‘He must have done this; he must have done that.’