Job 22:9

9 Thou hast sent [shalach] widows ['almanah] away empty [reyqam], and the arms [zarowa`] of the fatherless [yathowm] have been broken [daka']. KJV-Interlinear

9 'You have sent widows away empty, And the strength of the orphans has been crushed. NASB

Job has been guilty of virtually nothing in his life. Yes he is a sinner, as every human being is, but he is not a cut throat criminal, and certainly not guilty of any of these accusations which have been implied by the three friends and now being stated by Eliphaz.

The absolutely worst possible charge that can be aimed at any wealthy person, is that they have refused to be charitable to those in need.

Charity is an obligation for us all. Most of us cannot afford much charity and yet we are able to squeeze out some pennies to help when help is needed.

But as for the wealthy, for the upper class, for the middle classes of people, even if they are somewhat strapped by cash flow from time to time, there is always an excess. And God expects everyone to do their part, and even more than their part.

Life will always throw the needy in your face. You can't avoid it. Charities exist everywhere. Storms, disasters, accidents, medical needs, and even folks standing on a busy street corner will confront your sense of responsibility. What you think of them is irrelevant. What you think or perceive of their lifestyle is irrelevant. What God expects of you is the priority.

To whom God gives much, much is expected. And even if God gives you little, God always provides a little elbow room for your being able to help others. Helping others is the easiest thing to do. Withholding help, when you are able to help, is the worst.

Widows and orphans are the best examples of helpless folks, especially in ancient times. Moreover, Eliphaz is accusing Job of abusing his obligations toward them. Even of being rude and sarcastic toward them. Even of taking advantage of their situation so that he can enrich himself at their expense.

This accusation is a false one of course, but Eliphaz is ending his argument against Job with the only thing he has left, making false accusations with outright lies.

This is the pattern of thought of anyone who refuses to pursue their spiritual life and thus lacking spiritual resources within their soul. They will argue until they are blue in the face. They will use common truths and twist them until they conveniently fit their own argument. They will finally lie, because that is all they have left.

In all of this, Job has been respectful and told his friends truth and nothing but.

They refused to listen and refused to hear.

As long as a person is alive, there will be sources of truth from within this world. People are far better off if they listen and learn.

But prolonged refusal to listen and learn will eventually bring God directly into the picture, as we will see nearer the end of this book, and that is something that a negative person should not want.

Do you know why?

Now is the time to post a prayer.