Eliphaz begins his argument by saying that man’s righteousness and wisdom do not bring any benefit
to God. The implication is that one should live wisely for one’s own benefit. Here Eliphaz reveals the true foundation of his and his friends’ religion. Their religion is nothing more than the selfish religion described by Satan (Job 1:9–11). They serve God for the sake of his benefits and protection.
2 “Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.