I.
We turn our attention to the plight of Job. This week we will hear from one of Job’s friends who has come to Job’s side to comfort him. Next week we will listen to Job.

In the first two chapters of the Book of Job we are told that Job was a prosperous man who was “was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1) Then we learn that Job’s entire life is brought to ruin by the loss of his children, his property, and his health.

Three friends hear of Job’s plight and come to “console and comfort him.” (Job 2:11) Upon seeing Job “they did not recognize him, and they raised their voices and wept aloud; they tore their robes and threw dust in the air upon their heads. They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.” (Job 2:12-13)

Then in turn they begin to speak to Job. We will take up part of Bildad’s words to Job.

As you read Bildad’s words and advice, what do you hear?

II.
Job 8:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version)

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:

“How long will you say these things,
and the words of your mouth be a great wind?

Does God pervert justice?
Or does the Almighty pervert the right?

If your children sinned against him,
he delivered them into the power of their transgression.

If you will seek God
and make supplication to the Almighty,

if you are pure and upright,
surely then he will rouse himself for you
and restore to you your rightful place.

Though your beginning was small,
your latter days will be very great.

“For inquire now of bygone generations,
and consider what their ancestors have found;

for we are but of yesterday, and we know nothing,
for our days on earth are but a shadow.

Will they not teach you and tell you
and utter words out of their understanding?

Job 8:20-22 (New Revised Standard Version)

“See, God will not reject a blameless person,
nor take the hand of evildoers.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,
and your lips with shouts of joy.

Those who hate you will be clothed with shame,
and the tent of the wicked will be no more.”

III.
What do you think of Bildad?

If he is coming to Job’s side to “console and comfort him” how well do you think he is doing?

Let’s read Bildag’s speech a few times until you get a firm picture of Bildad in your mind.

What kind of friend is he?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}