◄ Job 22:18 ►
But it was He who filled their houses with good things; so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked.
Study Bible
But it was He
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and providence of God. In the Hebrew text, the pronoun "He" refers to God, highlighting His ultimate authority and control over all circumstances. This reflects a central theme in the Book of Job: the acknowledgment of God's supreme power and His role as the giver of all blessings. Historically, this aligns with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of deities as providers and sustainers of life.

who filled their houses
The imagery of "houses" being filled suggests abundance and prosperity. In the ancient world, a full house was a sign of divine favor and blessing. The Hebrew word for "filled" (מָלֵא, male') conveys the idea of completeness and satisfaction. This phrase underscores the belief that all material blessings come from God, reinforcing the idea that human prosperity is not solely the result of personal effort but is granted by divine grace.

with good things
The "good things" refer to material blessings and prosperity. In the Hebrew context, "good" (טוֹב, tov) encompasses not only material wealth but also well-being and happiness. This reflects the biblical principle that God is the source of all that is good and beneficial in life. Theologically, it serves as a reminder that true goodness and fulfillment come from God, not from human endeavors or wickedness.

the counsel of the wicked
This phrase contrasts the divine provision with the plans and advice of the wicked. "Counsel" (עֵצָה, etzah) in Hebrew implies advice, plans, or schemes. The "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha') are those who live in opposition to God's ways. Historically, this reflects the biblical worldview that the wisdom of the wicked is ultimately futile and leads to destruction, as opposed to the enduring wisdom and provision of God.

is far from me
This declaration signifies a deliberate distancing from the ways of the wicked. The Hebrew word for "far" (רָחוֹק, rachoq) suggests a significant separation or distance. In the context of Job, it reflects a commitment to righteousness and a rejection of evil. This phrase serves as an inspirational call for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to distance themselves from ungodly influences, trusting in God's provision and wisdom.

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, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. Eliphaz the Temanite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz is speaking, suggesting that Job's suffering is due to his sin and urging him to repent.

3. The Wicked
A general term used to describe those who live in opposition to God's ways. In this context, Eliphaz implies that Job's suffering is akin to the fate of the wicked.

4. God
The sovereign Creator who is ultimately in control of all things, including the distribution of blessings and the judgment of the wicked.

5. Teman
A place associated with wisdom, often linked to the descendants of Esau. Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, suggesting his reputation for wisdom.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Blessings
Recognize that all good things come from God, even when they appear in the lives of those who do not honor Him. This should lead us to gratitude and humility, acknowledging God's grace in our own lives.

Avoiding the Counsel of the Wicked
Be discerning about the advice and influence you allow into your life. Align yourself with godly counsel and wisdom, as the ways of the wicked lead to destruction.

Understanding Suffering
Suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. Like Job, we may face trials that are not a punishment but a test of faith. Trust in God's greater plan and remain steadfast.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Prosperity
Earthly wealth and success are fleeting. Focus on storing up treasures in heaven, where they are eternal and secure.

Repentance and Restoration
Eliphaz's call to repentance, though misapplied to Job, is a reminder of the importance of turning back to God when we stray. God is always ready to restore those who seek Him with a sincere heart.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that God fills the houses of the wicked with good things change your perspective on prosperity and success in the world?

2. In what ways can you ensure that you are not influenced by the counsel of the wicked in your daily life?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced suffering. How did your faith in God's sovereignty help you navigate that period?

4. How can you apply the principle of storing up treasures in heaven in your current lifestyle and priorities?

5. What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of repentance and seek God's restoration in areas where you have strayed?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 73
This psalm reflects on the prosperity of the wicked and the struggle of the righteous, similar to the themes in Job 22:18. It ultimately concludes with the psalmist finding refuge in God.

Proverbs 3:33
This verse contrasts the curse on the house of the wicked with the blessing on the home of the righteous, echoing the idea that God fills the houses of the wicked with good things, yet their counsel is to be avoided.

James 1:17
This New Testament verse reminds believers that every good and perfect gift is from above, reinforcing the idea that God is the source of all blessings.
Sermons
Censorious and Uncharitable ReasoningE. Johnson Job 22:1-30
The History of WickednessHomilistJob 22:15-20
The Old Way of the WickedSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJob 22:15-20
The Way of the Wicked DescribedE. Cooper.Job 22:15-20
The Way Which Wicked Men have TroddenE. Payson, D. D.Job 22:15-20
People
Eliphaz, Job, Ophir
Places
Ophir, Uz
Topics
Aloof, Counsel, Evil-doers, Filled, Full, Houses, Purpose, Stand, Though, Wicked, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 22:15-18

     5317   foundation

Job 22:17-20

     8782   mockery

Library
December 29 Morning
Understanding what the will of the Lord is.--EPH. 5:17. This is the will of God, even your sanctification.--Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.--This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.--We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Knowledge and Peace
'Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.'--JOB xxii. 21. In the sense in which the speaker meant them, these words are not true. They mean little more than 'It pays to be religious.' What kind of notion of acquaintance with God Eliphaz may have had, one scarcely knows, but at any rate, the whole meaning of the text on his lips is poor and selfish. The peace promised is evidently only outward tranquillity and freedom from trouble, and the good that is to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Life May be Made
'For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. 27. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto Him, and He shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. 28. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. 29. When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, ... lifting up; and He shall save the humble person.'--JOB xxii. 26-29. These words are a fragment of one of the speeches of Job's friends, in which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Whether all Things are under Divine Providence
Whether All Things are under Divine Providence We proceed to the second article thus: 1. It seems that not all things are under divine providence. For nothing that is ordained happens contingently, and if all things were provided by God, nothing would happen contingently. There would then be no such thing as chance or fortune. But this is contrary to common opinion. 2. Again, every wise provider, so far as he is able, preserves those in his care from defect and from evil. But we see many evils in …
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether God is Everywhere by Essence, Presence and Power?
Objection 1: It seems that the mode of God's existence in all things is not properly described by way of essence, presence and power. For what is by essence in anything, is in it essentially. But God is not essentially in things; for He does not belong to the essence of anything. Therefore it ought not to be said that God is in things by essence, presence and power. Objection 2: Further, to be present in anything means not to be absent from it. Now this is the meaning of God being in things by His …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Everything is Subject to the Providence of God?
Objection 1: It seems that everything is not subject to divine providence. For nothing foreseen can happen by chance. If then everything was foreseen by God, nothing would happen by chance. And thus hazard and luck would disappear; which is against common opinion. Objection 2: Further, a wise provider excludes any defect or evil, as far as he can, from those over whom he has a care. But we see many evils existing. Either, then, God cannot hinder these, and thus is not omnipotent; or else He does …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
1. The phrase scriptural.--2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine favor.--3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations.--4. This may become the case of any Christian.--5. and will be found a very sorrowful one.--6. The following directions, therefore, are given to those who suppose it to be their own: To inquire whether it be indeed a case of spiritual distress, or whether a disconsolate frame may not proceed from indisposition of body,--7. or difficulties as to worldly circumstances.--8, …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a Man, with Bands of Love: and I was to them as they that Take Off the Yoke on their Jaws, and I Laid Meat unto Them. " --Hosea xi. 4.
BANDS OF LOVE; OR, UNION TO CHRIST. SYSTEMATIC theologians have usually regarded union to Christ under three aspects, natural, mystical and federal, and it may be that these three terms are comprehensive enough to embrace the whole subject, but as our aim is simplicity, let us be pardoned if we appear diffuse when we follow a less concise method. 1. The saints were from the beginning joined to Christ by bands of everlasting love. Before He took on Him their nature, or brought them into a conscious …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
To declare emphatically that the people of God are a covenant people, various signs were in sovereignty vouchsafed. The lights in the firmament of heaven were appointed to be for signs, affording direction to the mariner, the husbandman, and others. Miracles wrought on memorable occasions, were constituted signs or tokens of God's universal government. The gracious grant of covenant signs was made in order to proclaim the truth of the existence of God's covenant with his people, to urge the performance …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Epistle xxxix. To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria.
To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria. Gregory to Eulogius, &c. As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country (Prov. xxv. 25). But what can be good news to me, so far as concerns the behoof of holy Church, but to hear of the health and safety of your to me most sweet Holiness, who, from your perception of the light of truth, both illuminate the same Church with the word of preaching, and mould it to a better way by the example of your manners? As often, too, as I recall in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

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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