Job 22:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Given the previous discussion, it is clear that Job was not wicked, and his sufferings should not be seen as a reflection of his character. However, Job almost reaches a point of questioning Divine Providence itself. What concern does the Lord have if you are righteous in your actions? In other words, it holds no significance for God. And what advantage does it bring to Him if your path is upright? It seems to bear no weight in gaining His favor, he argues. Job has expressed that ‘God is responsible for my creation, and thus I endure this suffering,’ prompting Eliphaz to assert that these hardships do not originate from God.

What benefit is there for the Most High in our righteousness? Or what does He gain from our adherence to integrity? Job 22:3. All the good we perform ultimately serves our own well-being rather than being for God’s benefit. The Psalmist expressed this by declaring, My soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my God; I see that thou hast no need of my goods, Psalms 15:2. Indeed, He is ‘Lord’ and also ‘God,’ who requires nothing from us, His servants, but instead bestows upon us the goodness that we offer. The gifts we present to Him are not for His consumption; rather, He receives them and returns them to us.

Eliphaz delivers his final rebuke to Job, attempting to convince him that since human righteousness holds no significance for God, divine chastisements should be viewed as manifestations of God's impartial judgment (22:1-4). He asserts that it is a transgression when an individual has the chance to assist a neighbor but chooses not to act (5-9). It is due to such transgressions that Job finds himself under divine discipline (10-11). Job's attempts to comfort himself with the belief that God's majesty leads Him to overlook the trivial matters of earthly life are futile (12-14), as he imitates the ancient wicked who also perceived God this way and faced sudden demise by water and fire (15-20). Therefore, Job is urged to approach God in humility and repentance, after which the Lord will restore His grace and bring him joy (21-30). These passages evoke imagery related to the flood and the devastation of Sodom.