IV.
Let’s pick up with the question about Bildad we left with the other day – “What kind of friend is he?”

V.
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.”

VI.
So what do you see in this friend of Job?

What does he think of Job? What does he think of God? And for that matter what does he think his role as Job’s friend should be?

Where do Bildad’s words come from?

What has formed Bildad’s heart and mind and personality so he believes he is justified in saying to Job –

“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.” (Job 8:2-4)

VII.
Do you know any of God’s faithful that might approach another this way?

What might be their (and Bildad’s) aim? To be the accuser or to be the redeemer?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}