One of the tricky things about reading Job is trying not to snooze when the other guys are speaking. You know, the other guys — the “friends”, the “counselors”, the “comforters” — those who knew a thing or two and so decide to share a thing or two. Their narrative, at a high level, is that Job is suffering great suffering because Job must have sinned a great sin. So confident are they in their assertion, they rotate among themselves in speculating on what nature of sin must be at the core of Job’s sorrow. And yet, we know from the opening chapters of Job (as does Job) that Job was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1,8; 2:3). So, when one of the amigos grabs the mic, the temptation is for the reader to tune out as they “blah, blah, blah” and “yada, yada, yada.”

But here’s the thing. These guys do know a thing or two. Sure, they misapply it most of the time, but broad misapplication doesn’t equate to total misinformation. So, when reading Job, we’d do well to have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, even if it’s through these schmucks.

Case in point, Eliphaz’s last discourse in Job 22. There are gems to be mined and truths to be seen in this continuing diatribe by one of Job’s miserable friends. There’s stuff worth chewing on here.

For example, Eliphaz encourages Job to “receive instruction” from the mouth of God and to lay up God’s word in his heart (22:22). Who’s gonna argue with that? And, this confused counselor is right on when he exhorts Job that the Almighty is better than gold or silver and that Job should “delight yourself in the Almighty and lift up your face to God” (22:25-26).

But here’s the treasure that was worth the price of admission for me this morning.

“Agree with God, and be at peace . . . ”

(Job 22:21a ESV)

That’s it. Just those seven words. Chew on them for a bit and tell me they don’t satisfy; that they don’t bring you to a place of contentment regardless of the circumstance.

Want peace, says Eliphaz? Agree with God. Literally, be familiar with God and you’ll be whole. Know intimately the Almighty and you’ll be complete, wanting nothing more. Show harmony with the Creator and shalom is yours.

Sounds too simple? Maybe. But savor it for a bit and you know it rings true.

If God says He rules over all heaven and earth (1Chron. 29:11-12), agree with God and be at peace. If you can be as familiar with His promise to “never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5) as you are with your own right hand, you’re gonna be whole. Know intimately the God who has makes Himself known and believe He really will make all things beautiful in their time (Eccl. 3:11) and shalom is not far away.

Know God, then you will be able to rest in God. Agree with Him, trust Him, find refuge in Him, and hear Him say to the raging seas of life, “Peace! be still!” (Mk. 4:39)

Agree with God. And be at peace with life — all of life.

By His grace. For His glory.