Job 22:3

KJV

[Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or [is it] gain [to him], that thou makest thy ways perfect?

KJV (with Strong's)

Is it any pleasure {H2656} to the Almighty {H7706}, that thou art righteous {H6663}? or is it gain {H1215} to him, that thou makest thy ways {H1870} perfect {H8552}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Does Shaddai gain if you are righteous? Does he profit if you make your ways blameless?

Berean Standard Bible

Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless?

American Standard Version

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? Or is it gainto him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 22:3, spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, presents a rhetorical question challenging Job's righteousness. Eliphaz asserts that God, the Almighty, gains nothing from human piety or perfect ways. While this statement contains a profound theological truth about God's absolute self-sufficiency (aseity), Eliphaz misapplies it as a premise to accuse Job of hidden sin, arguing that Job's suffering could not be a concern to a God who needs nothing from humanity, and therefore must be a just consequence of unconfessed wickedness. The verse thus highlights both divine independence and the dangerous potential for misusing sound doctrine to condemn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens Eliphaz's third and most aggressive speech to Job, found in [Job 22](/job/22 "Job 22 - Eliphaz's Third Speech"). Having failed to persuade Job through more subtle insinuations, Eliphaz now directly accuses Job of specific, grievous sins, such as oppressing the poor and withholding water from the thirsty ([Job 22:5-9](/job/22-5 "Job 22:5-9 - Eliphaz's Accusations")). [Job 22:3](/job/22-3 "Job 22:3 - Eliphaz's Question") serves as the theological bedrock for these accusations. Eliphaz argues that since God is utterly independent and gains nothing from human righteousness, Job's claims of innocence are irrelevant to God's actions. This premise allows Eliphaz to conclude that Job's immense suffering *must* be a consequence of divine judgment for unconfessed sin, thereby setting the stage for his subsequent call for Job to repent and confess his "hidden" iniquity, promising restoration if he does so ([Job 22:21-30](/job/22-21 "Job 22:21-30 - Eliphaz's Call to Repentance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job") is a wisdom book set in the ancient Near East, likely in the land of Uz. The theological framework espoused by Job's friends, including Eliphaz, is rooted in the prevailing concept of divine retribution: the belief that God blesses the righteous with prosperity and punishes the wicked with suffering. This "Deuteronomic" theology, while having a basis in covenantal principles (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")), was often rigidly and simplistically applied to individual circumstances. In this worldview, Job's inexplicable suffering could only be interpreted as proof of profound wickedness, regardless of his outward blamelessness. Eliphaz’s argument in [Job 22:3](/job/22-3 "Job 22:3 - Eliphaz's Question") is deeply embedded in this retributive system, attempting to fit Job's complex reality into a predictable theological formula that ultimately fails to grasp the full scope of divine justice and human suffering.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, despite its misapplication, contributes to several significant themes within the [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job"):
* **God's Self-Sufficiency (Aseity):** Eliphaz's rhetorical question, "Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?" powerfully articulates the profound truth of God's absolute independence. God does not *need* human righteousness, service, or worship to enhance His being, power, or happiness. He is complete in Himself, lacking nothing. This fundamental theological concept is affirmed throughout Scripture, as seen in [Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God Does Not Need Human Hands"), where Paul declares that God "is not served by human hands, as though he needed anything."
* **The Flawed Nature of Retributive Theology:** Eliphaz’s use of a true theological premise (God's aseity) to draw a false conclusion about Job's suffering is central to the book's critique of rigid retributive theology. The friends' insistence that Job must be sinful, despite his integrity, demonstrates the dangers of applying theological principles without empathy, nuanced understanding, or an openness to divine mystery. This flawed counsel ultimately leads to God's direct rebuke of Job's friends in [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends").
* **The Purpose of Human Righteousness:** While God does not "gain" from human righteousness in a transactional sense, human obedience and "perfecting ways" are profoundly important for humanity itself. Righteous living leads to blessing, peace, and a proper relationship with God, as highlighted in passages like [Deuteronomy 10:13](/deuteronomy/10-13 "Deuteronomy 10:13 - Commandments for Your Good"), where commandments are given "for thy good." Our righteousness is a humble and grateful response to God's grace, not a contribution to His divine sufficiency.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shaddai'_):** This divine name, frequently used in the [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job"), emphasizes God's omnipotence, sovereign power, and absolute self-sufficiency. It conveys His ability to provide for His creation and His complete independence from it. Eliphaz employs this name to underscore God's immense majesty and Job's perceived insignificance, implying that Job's righteousness could not possibly add anything to such a transcendent Being.
* **Pleasure (Hebrew, _ḥēp̄eṣ'_):** This term denotes delight, desire, or favor. Eliphaz's question, "Is it any pleasure to the Almighty...?" implies that God derives no personal satisfaction or benefit from human righteousness, as if it were a trivial matter to Him. The term suggests a lack of need or dependence on God's part for human moral performance, reinforcing the idea that God's actions are not dictated by human behavior.
* **Gain (Hebrew, _yithrôn'_):** This word signifies profit, advantage, or surplus, often used in economic or commercial contexts. By asking if Job's perfection is "gain" to God, Eliphaz frames righteousness in transactional terms, suggesting that God does not accrue any benefit or increase in His divine being from human moral striving. The implied answer from Eliphaz's perspective is a resounding "no," which he uses to reinforce his argument that Job's righteousness is irrelevant to God's decision to inflict suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous?":** Eliphaz initiates his argument with a rhetorical question, directly challenging Job's claim of righteousness. By invoking "the Almighty" (_Shaddai_), he emphasizes God's supreme power and utter independence. The underlying implication is that God is so entirely self-sufficient that human righteousness, no matter how sincere, cannot possibly add to His joy or well-being. This premise sets the stage for Eliphaz's subsequent argument that Job's piety is not a factor that would prevent God from afflicting him.
* **"or [is it] gain [to him], that thou makest thy ways perfect?":** This second rhetorical question parallels the first, reinforcing the concept of God's absolute independence. The word "gain" (_yithrôn_) suggests profit or advantage, often in a material sense. Eliphaz is asserting that God does not benefit in any way, nor does He accumulate any surplus, from Job's "perfected ways" (referring to Job's blameless conduct and integrity). The rhetorical nature of the question expects a negative answer, leading Eliphaz to conclude that Job's suffering cannot be explained by God's need or lack, but rather must be a consequence of Job's hidden sin, as God would not arbitrarily punish the truly perfect.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is primarily structured around **Rhetorical Question**, where Eliphaz poses two questions not to elicit an answer from Job, but to assert his own theological premise: God is entirely self-sufficient and gains nothing from human righteousness. This device allows Eliphaz to make a forceful, declarative statement disguised as an inquiry, aiming to corner Job into accepting his worldview. The two clauses of the verse ("Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous?" and "or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?") also exhibit **Synonymous Parallelism**. The second clause essentially repeats and reinforces the idea of the first using different but equivalent terms ("pleasure" / "gain," "righteous" / "makest thy ways perfect"). This literary technique adds emphasis and intensity to Eliphaz's argument, driving home the point of God's absolute independence. Furthermore, there is a profound **Irony** present in Eliphaz's statement. While the theological truth about God's self-sufficiency is correct, Eliphaz applies it incorrectly to condemn Job. The irony lies in using a divine attribute to justify a false accusation, demonstrating how sound doctrine can be twisted to serve a flawed human agenda. The audience, privy to the prologue (Job 1-2), knows Job is righteous and that his suffering is not due to sin, making Eliphaz's "truth" tragically misdirected.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 22:3, despite its misapplication by Eliphaz, powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's aseity—His absolute independence and self-sufficiency. God does not need anything from His creation, including our righteousness or worship, to be complete or glorious. Our obedience does not "add" to His divine essence, nor does our sin diminish it. Rather, our acts of righteousness are a fitting response to His grace and a demonstration of our love and trust, ultimately benefiting us by bringing us into deeper fellowship with Him and aligning us with His good purposes. This truth guards against any transactional view of our relationship with God, where we might imagine our actions obligate Him or contribute to His being. It underscores that all glory and benefit flow from Him to us, not the other way around.

* [Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God Is Not Served by Human Hands")
* [Psalm 16:2](/psalms/16-2 "Psalm 16:2 - My Goodness Extends Not to You")
* [Romans 11:35-36](/romans/11-35 "Romans 11:35-36 - Who Has Given to God That He Might Be Repaid?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eliphaz's flawed counsel in Job 22:3 nevertheless presents a profound opportunity for reflection on the nature of our relationship with God. If God truly gains nothing from our righteousness, what then is the motivation for our obedience and pursuit of holiness? This verse challenges any self-serving or transactional view of faith, where we might imagine our good deeds somehow obligate God or contribute to His divine perfection. Instead, it invites us into a posture of humble gratitude and worship. Our righteousness is not a gift *to* God that He needs, but a gift *from* God that transforms us and enables us to live in alignment with His good and perfect will. It is a response of love to His prior grace, a testament to His work within us, and a means by which we experience the fullness of life He intends. This understanding liberates us from performance-based religion, fostering genuine devotion rooted in His infinite worthiness, not our ability to "add" to Him. It encourages us to serve Him not out of His need, but out of His overwhelming love and our grateful hearts, knowing that our obedience ultimately benefits us and brings Him glory by revealing His transformative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's self-sufficiency (aseity) impact your motivation for obedience and worship?**
* **In what ways might you unknowingly approach your relationship with God as transactional, as if your actions could "add" to Him or obligate Him?**
* **How does the truth that God needs nothing from you free you to serve Him out of pure love and gratitude, rather than a sense of duty or obligation?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to live as someone whose righteousness is a response to God's grace, rather than a means to "gain" His favor?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly not "gain" anything from our righteousness, or is Eliphaz's statement entirely wrong?**

Answer: Eliphaz's statement contains a profound theological truth, though he misapplies it to condemn Job. God, as the "Almighty" (_Shaddai_), is absolutely self-sufficient and lacks nothing. Human righteousness does not add to His divine essence, power, or happiness. He is not dependent on creation for His being or glory. In this sense, He does not "gain" from our righteousness as if He were deficient without it. However, this does not mean our righteousness is meaningless to God. Rather, it is pleasing to Him as a reflection of His character in us, a demonstration of our love and obedience, and a means by which His kingdom purposes are advanced on earth. Our righteousness is for our good and His glory, but not because He has a "need" that we fulfill (see [Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God Does Not Need Human Hands")).

**If God doesn't need our righteousness, why does He command us to be righteous?**

Answer: God commands righteousness not because He needs it to complete Himself, but because it is for our ultimate good and flourishes His creation. Righteousness aligns us with His perfect character and brings us into proper relationship with Him, leading to blessing, peace, and true flourishing. It is an expression of His love for us, guiding us towards a life that reflects His image and brings Him glory (see [Deuteronomy 10:13](/deuteronomy/10-13 "Deuteronomy 10:13 - Commandments for Your Good") and [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Our obedience is a response to His grace, demonstrating our trust and love, and is the means through which we experience the abundant life He offers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Eliphaz's words in [Job 22:3](/job/22-3 "Job 22:3 - Eliphaz's Question") were spoken with a flawed understanding of Job's situation, the underlying truth of God's self-sufficiency finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that our righteousness is not something we achieve to "gain" God's favor or add to His being, but is a gift freely bestowed through faith in Christ. Jesus, as the perfectly righteous Son of God, lived a life of complete obedience, fulfilling all righteousness on our behalf ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")). His sacrificial death on the cross, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly satisfied divine justice, not because God was lacking, but because His holy character demands a response to sin. Through Christ, we are not merely *made* righteous, but we are *given* His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin So We Might Become the Righteousness of God")). This divine imputation means that God's "pleasure" and "gain" are found not in our imperfect efforts, but in the perfect work of His Son. Our "perfected ways" are now a response to the perfection already accomplished in Christ, enabling us to live lives that reflect His glory, not to earn a place with Him, but to express the new life we have received in Him ([Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Saved by Grace Through Faith for Good Works")). Thus, the truth of God's independence from human righteousness underscores the radical grace of the Gospel: salvation is entirely God's work, from beginning to end, centered in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Malachi 2:17

Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied [him]? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil [is] good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where [is] the God of judgment?

Job 23:10

But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Proverbs 11:20

¶ They that are of a froward heart [are] abomination to the LORD: but [such as are] upright in [their] way [are] his delight.

Psalms 119:59

¶ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Proverbs 11:1

¶ A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight.