Fathers

Job 11

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Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered, “Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified? Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed? For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’ But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you, that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves. “Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him? For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it. An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt. “If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him. If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents. Surely then you will lift up your face without spot; Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear: for you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away. Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning. You will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety. Also you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Yes, many will court your favor. But the eyes of the wicked will fail. They will have no way to flee. Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit.”

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What the Fathers say

Job 11:13

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

Thou hast set firm thine heart, and stretched out thine hands towards Him. The heart is not here said to be 'set firm' by virtue but by insensibility, for every soul that submits itself to the consideration of the interior severity, is directly softened by the fear thereof; and the shaft of divine dread enters into him, in that he carries weak bowels through humility. But he that is hardened by obstinacy in insensibility, as it were sets his heart firm, that the darts of heavenly fear may not pierce it. …

Morals on the Book of Job, Book X ↗

Thomas Aquinas

He seemed to say this as an insult to Blessed Job because he takes Job's words as an argument with God as with an equal when he said, "May he withdraw his rod from me, let terror of him not frighten me. I will speak and not be afraid of him." (9:34) So he continues, "But you have hardened your heart," so you defend your evil. Yet, "You have stretched out your hands to God," in this condition of hardness of heart in prayer when you said, "I will say to God: Do not condemn me." (9:34) So your prayer is useless.

Commentary on Job ↗