Job 20:1-2
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered saying,
In truth, my thoughts compel me to answer,
Because of the feelings within me.
Somewhere along the way I resigned myself to the poet using a typical refrain to start each speech. My problem is I neglected to follow it when I got to each one and simply said copy it. So each day I start I new chapter I have to go back and find one to copy from. Maybe I should put one where I can see it from now on.
‘In truth’ was also ‘pay attention’, ‘therefore’, ‘indeed’ or left off. ‘My thoughts’ was also ‘my troubled thoughts’, ‘my anxious thoughts’, or ‘dark thoughts of mine’.
‘Feelings’ was also ‘agitation’, ‘great disturbance’, and ‘turmoil’,
When I read this, I interpret it as him admitting he is acting based on his flesh and not the drive to follow God. If he was in the right, he would not have to defend his actions. It is like a liar has to remember every lie, but the honest man has to remember nothing. Similarly, for me, when I read or hear ‘In truth’, I assume the person is going to lie.
In the aftermath of our discussion on Bible translations, our pastor shared a link to a discussion of Bible translations. The link talks about direct translations, revised translations, word by word vs phrase by phrase translations, and I learned that paraphrases is maybe too negative a description of the phrase by phrase translations. Well, maybe to others, but I still like the word for word better for Bible study.
When working through Job, I was obviously not doing word by word since I was doing more of a revision not using Greek or Hebrew at all. I was also trying to make the intent come across more so than the closest word. But I did try to pick the one right word whenever I could. I think the key to reading from any particular version would be to know the method and intent of the author/authors. Thinking every Bible is the same is not acceptable.
As I prepare to help my friend with a class for maturing believers, I know that I am there to help the students grow in knowledge of God and not to teach them what I think they should know. Our minister who picked the material had asked me to do so, but I know God was not asking me to do so, and I declined. God has given me skills and talents to help in this world, and he has given me spiritual gifts to help beyond this world. As I mature, I understand that He will guide me on where to use all of these characteristics to serve Him, and where it would be futile to try. I need His guidance. All the time.
Written 1/10/26, Posted 2/23/26, Job 460/~1070