16, 17. (a) What smug advice does Zophar give? (b) How does Job evaluate his “comforters,” and what strong confidence does he express?

¹⁶ Zophar now enters the debate. He says, in effect: Are we children, to listen to empty talk? You say you are really clean, but if only God would speak, he would reveal your guilt. He asks Job: “Can you find out the deep things of God?” (11:7) He advises Job to put away hurtful practices, for blessings will come to those who do this, whereas “the very eyes of the wicked will fail.”​—11:20.

22, 23. (a) Why does Zophar feel hurt, and what does he say about Job’s alleged sins? (b) With what withering argument does Job reply?

²² Zophar, like Bildad, feels hurt at having to listen to Job’s “insulting exhortation.” (20:3) He repeats that Job’s sins have caught up with him. The wicked always receive punishment from God, and they have no rest, says Zophar, even while enjoying prosperity.