So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. (2025)

Bible > Job > Chapter 32 > Verse 1

Job 32:1

So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

Study Bible

So these three men
This phrase refers to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, the three friends of Job who have been engaging in a lengthy dialogue with him. Historically, these men are often seen as representatives of traditional wisdom and the prevailing theological views of their time. They believed that suffering was a direct result of sin, a common perspective in ancient Near Eastern thought. Their cessation of speech marks a significant turning point in the narrative, indicating their frustration and inability to convince Job of their viewpoint.

stopped answering Job
The Hebrew root for "stopped" (חָדַל, chadal) implies a cessation or a giving up. This suggests that the three friends have reached a point of exhaustion or resignation in their attempts to persuade Job. Their silence can be seen as an acknowledgment of the futility of their arguments against Job's steadfastness. In the broader scriptural context, this moment sets the stage for a new voice to enter the conversation, that of Elihu, who will offer a different perspective.

because he was righteous in his own eyes
The phrase "righteous in his own eyes" is critical in understanding the tension between Job and his friends. The Hebrew word for "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq) denotes someone who is just or in the right. Job's self-perception of righteousness is not merely arrogance but a reflection of his genuine belief in his integrity and innocence. This self-assessment is a central theme in the Book of Job, as it challenges the simplistic retribution theology of his friends. Job's insistence on his righteousness invites readers to explore the complexities of human suffering and divine justice, encouraging a deeper trust in God's wisdom beyond human understanding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, undergoing severe trials and maintaining his integrity.

2. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar
The three friends of Job who came to comfort him but ended up engaging in lengthy debates about the reasons for his suffering. They represent traditional wisdom and the belief that suffering is a direct result of sin.

3. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, which is a central part of the account. This dialogue explores themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of God.

Teaching Points

The Limitations of Human Wisdom
Job's friends ceased to answer him because they could not reconcile their understanding of righteousness with Job's situation. This highlights the limitations of human wisdom in comprehending divine purposes.

Self-Righteousness vs. True Righteousness
Job's perception of his own righteousness serves as a reminder of the danger of self-righteousness. True righteousness is found in humility and reliance on God.

The Role of Friends in Times of Suffering
The role of Job's friends shows the importance of offering support and empathy rather than judgment during times of suffering.

The Importance of Perseverance
Job's account encourages believers to persevere in faith, trusting that God is sovereign and just, even when circumstances are difficult to understand.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Job's friends' responses to his suffering reflect their understanding of God's justice, and how does this compare to biblical teachings on suffering and righteousness?

2. In what ways can we guard against self-righteousness in our own lives, and how can we ensure our righteousness is rooted in Christ?

3. How can the account of Job and his friends inform the way we support others who are experiencing trials and suffering?

4. What lessons can we learn from Job's perseverance that can be applied to our own lives when facing difficult circumstances?

5. How does the dialogue between Job and his friends challenge us to seek God's wisdom rather than relying solely on human understanding?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage encourages trust in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding, which contrasts with Job's friends' reliance on human wisdom.

James 5:11
This verse references Job's perseverance and the outcome of the Lord's dealings, highlighting the theme of endurance through suffering.

Romans 3:10
This verse states that no one is righteous on their own, which contrasts with Job's perception of his own righteousness.

Sermons

Silence After the StormW.F. Adeney Job 32:1
Appearance of Elihu: the Motives of His AddressE. Johnson Job 32:1-33:7
Elihu and His DiscourseE. Johnson Job 32:1-37:24
Analysis of Elihu's SpeechAlbert Barnes.Job 32:1-7
Credulous and Incredulous MindsE. Monro.Job 32:1-7
Post-Exilic WisdomRobert A. Watson, D. D.Job 32:1-7
The Speech of ElihuHomilistJob 32:1-7
The Voice of Juvenile Self-ConfidenceR. Green Job 32:1-22

People

Barachel, Elihu, Job

Places

Uz

Topics

Answering, Answers, Cease, Ceased, Job, Righteous, Seemed

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Job 32:1

8804pride, examples

Library

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind,"
Rom. viii. s 5, 6.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind," &c. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." There are many differences among men in this world, that, as to outward appearance, are great and wide, and indeed they are so eagerly pursued, and seriously minded by men, as if they were great and momentous. You see what a strife and contention there is among men, how to be extracted out of the dregs of the multitude, and set a little higher
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Whether Prophecy Pertains to Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. For it is written (Ecclus. 48:14) that after death the body of Eliseus prophesied, and further on (Ecclus. 49:18) it is said of Joseph that "his bones were visited, and after death they prophesied." Now no knowledge remains in the body or in the bones after death. Therefore prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. Objection 2: Further, it is written (1 Cor. 14:3): "He that prophesieth, speaketh to men unto edification." Now speech
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Its Meaning
Deliverance from the condemning sentence of the Divine Law is the fundamental blessing in Divine salvation: so long as we continue under the curse, we can neither be holy nor happy. But as to the precise nature of that deliverance, as to exactly what it consists of, as to the ground on which it is obtained, and as to the means whereby it is secured, much confusion now obtains. Most of the errors which have been prevalent on this subject arose from the lack of a clear view of the thing itself, and
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification


Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. (2025)

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