Eliphaz states a general truth that is often repeated in Scripture. God does punish evildoers and he rewards the upright (a common theme in Proverbs, but also in the New Testament; see Mark 4:24; Galatians 6:7–9). Yet there are exceptions to this general rule, and we know that the final day of reward and punishment still lies in future (Romans 2:9–11). Eliphaz and his friends do not account for any exceptions, and this is what puts them (and with them, Job) on a wrong track.
7 “Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off?