CHARACTER STUDY ~ ZOPHAR

The name Zophar means chirping, moving swiftly, or a small bird. He was the last mentioned among Job's friends and may have been the youngest of the three. He was a Naamathite. He levelled a couple of allegations against Job, and the Lord was displeased with him. 

Some Characteristics of Zophar:

√ Zophar began by warning Job that he could no longer hold back the anger that he felt after listening to Job. Confronting a sinner, however, should be done with restraint. Speaking out of anger only serves to injure the other person. 

√ Zophar relied upon tradition and worldly wisdom to make his case that Job must be a sinner. He should have instead prayed before opening his mouth. Confronting a sinner should also never be done without prayer.

√ Zophar alleged that the joy of the wicked was quickly fleeting. Thus, he argued that Job’s lack of joy was proof of his wickedness. But his claim was not consistent with God’s Word. Jesus warns that believers will experience turbulence in the world. Confronting a sinner should always be done in a manner consistent with God’s Word.

√ Zophar argued that Job would soon die in poverty. But his mean-spirited approach was not Biblical. Confronting an alleged sinner should always be done by offering the hope of God’s restoration. 

√ Zophar resorted to lies by accusing Job of stealing from the poor. He alleged that Job’s ill-got gains had become toxic to him. But these charges were utterly false. Confronting a sinner should only be done with the truth.

√ Zophar also used the loss of Job’s wealth as proof of God’s wrath against him. Instead, Zophar should have shown Job compassion and offered to help Job when he had nothing left. Confronting an alleged sinner should also be done with compassion.

√ Zophar pronounced God’s judgment upon Job with anger and fury. God’s love was absent from his words or intent. Confronting an alleged sinner should also only be done with God’s love.

√ Just like the other friends, God was displeased with his actions and words and asked him to offer a burnt offering and for Job to pray for him. 

What have you learnt in today's study? Share your response in the comments section below. 

Supporting Scriptures: Job 2:11; 11:1-20;  20:1-29; 42:7-9