March 13, 2024

What was wrong with Bildad's advice to Job?

Job 8

Anna Sharpe
Wednesday's Devo

March 13, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

March 13, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

March 13, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

March 13, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 8:6

[I]f you are pure and upright,
surely then he will rouse himself for you
and restore your rightful habitation.

Job 8

Bildad Speaks: Job Should Repent

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:

2  “How long will you say these things,
    and the words of your mouth be a great wind?
3  Does God pervert justice?
    Or does the Almighty pervert the right?
4  If your children have sinned against him,
    he has delivered them into the hand of their transgression.
5  If you will seek God
    and plead with the Almighty for mercy,
6  if you are pure and upright,
    surely then he will rouse himself for you
    and restore your rightful habitation.
7  And though your beginning was small,
    your latter days will be very great.

8  For inquire, please, of bygone ages,
    and consider what the fathers have searched out.
9  For we are but of yesterday and know nothing,
    for our days on earth are a shadow.
10  Will they not teach you and tell you
    and utter words out of their understanding?

11  Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh?
    Can reeds flourish where there is no water?
12  While yet in flower and not cut down,
    they wither before any other plant.
13  Such are the paths of all who forget God;
    the hope of the godless shall perish.
14  His confidence is severed,
    and his trust is a spider's web. 1 8:14 Hebrew house
15  He leans against his house, but it does not stand;
    he lays hold of it, but it does not endure.
16  He is a lush plant before the sun,
    and his shoots spread over his garden.
17  His roots entwine the stone heap;
    he looks upon a house of stones.
18  If he is destroyed from his place,
    then it will deny him, saying, ‘I have never seen you.’
19  Behold, this is the joy of his way,
    and out of the soil others will spring.

20  Behold, God will not reject a blameless man,
    nor take the hand of evildoers.
21  He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,
    and your lips with shouting.
22  Those who hate you will be clothed with shame,
    and the tent of the wicked will be no more.”

Footnotes

[1] 8:14 Hebrew house
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar

After the Lord allowed Satan to afflict Job, three of his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to comfort him. However, all three wrongly assumed that Job’s suffering was the result of some hidden sin. Each man urged Job to repent so that God would have mercy on him. But Job insisted that he was innocent. Although it is true that some suffering is a result of sin, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar oversimplified this truth. They believed that all troubles are punishments for wrongdoing, which was not the case for Job. The wrong actions of Job’s three friends should remind believers today to be wise and sensitive when dealing with people in distress. The Lord rebuked Job’s three friends and instructed Job to pray for them. (Job 42:7–9)

Study Notes

Job 8:4–6 After the rhetorical questions in v. 3, Bildad presents two conditional statements (“if . . . then”) to Job that are meant to represent the consequences of God’s justice. The first statement (v. 4) assumes that Job’s children have suffered because of their sin. The second calls Job to remember that, if he will repent (v. 5) and if he is blameless (v. 6), then God will spare him from the end that his children have suffered.

Study Notes

Job 8:8–10 Bildad bases his advice on the wisdom of his fathers, that is, his ancestors.

Study Notes

Job 8:11–19 Papyrus and reeds grow quickly in the wetlands, but they are also very vulnerable. They need a constant supply of water. Other plants are deeply rooted in rocky soil, but they can be uprooted, leaving no trace of their presence. Likewise, the way of the wicked is fragile and futile.

Study Notes

Job 8:1–22 Bildad is the second friend to “comfort” Job.

Job 8:20–22 In his conclusion, Bildad asserts two things: if Job were a blameless man, God would not have rejected him; the tent of the wicked will not stand for long.

S3:053 Job 8

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Job 8

In Job 8, Bildad assumes that since God is just, Job is merely receiving punishment for his family's actions. He instructs Job to be "pure and upright," and only then will God restore him (Job 8:6). But this advice is not entirely biblical, as we receive God's mercy even when we do not deserve it. "The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made." (Psalm 145:9) God is good to us all—to His children and also to sinners. Despite what Bildad says, our actions do not determine God's mercies. Bildad seems to think if Job would only turn to God, then he would experience laughter and shouts of joy (Job 8:21), but God tells Satan in Job 1:8 that Job is "a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil." 

Job was human and, thus, by nature a sinner; but he was a righteous man who was not being punished. The truth is, Christians can experience pain and suffering while faithfully following God. Something to take note, though, is that those who endure tribulation faithfully are considered blessed. "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12) Yes, we sin, and there are consequences; but trials may also come our way with no explanation or reason. God does not promise us an easy life for faithful actions, but He still uses every trial for good. David says, "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes." (Psalm 119:71)

Sometimes trials bring us closer to God and help us become dependent on Him alone. When we face tough situations in life, it is helpful to have a godly counselor walk us through our struggles and emotions, but we must always check to see if the counsel we receive lines up with the truth of God's Word. The Bible is always true and to be trusted over man's opinions.

This month's memory verse

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

– Romans 5:8

Discussion Questions

1. What is a recent difficult situation in your life through which you saw God working? How could those around you see Him at work?

2. Who in your life gives you wise counsel? How do you check their advice with the truth in God's Word? 

3. When are times you have received the Lord's mercy, even though you didn't deserve it? How did you respond?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

GJ

greg jones

Good morning Anna. This really resonated with me. “Yes, we sin, and there are consequences; but trials may also come our way with no explanation or reason. God does not promise us an easy life for faithful actions, but He still uses every trial for good.” I also share that opinion about God. “David says, ‘It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.’(Psalm 119:71)” A few verses earlier David gives that verse context by saying, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I hold to your promise.” (Psalm 119:67) God speaking in the book of Job says this about Job’s trial: “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to **destroy him without reason.**” Job makes no admission of going astray and that is affirmed by God. In the case of David he admits to going astray and credits affliction for his correction. In the case of Job “he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” Within Job, nothing is gained or lost. Although Job seems to be set in a time that predates Moses I can imagine early Israelites through the years as the scriptures are being given to them can hear Job’s friends quoting verses like Psalm 119:71, to actually give their arguments more authority. In the book of Job I just don’t see the intent of the book as being to tell us something about what God is like. (I meet many people who strongly disagree with my view.) I see its intent, much like a trial experienced on a personal level, as challenging a transactional theology of God especially for early Israelites and for some followers today as well. I also totally agree with-“Sometimes trials bring us closer to God and help us become dependent on Him alone. When we face tough situations in life, it is helpful to have a godly counselor walk us through our struggles and emotions but we must always check to see if the counsel we receive lines up with the truth of God's Word.” Great devotional thank you.
MS

Michael Scaman

Bildad steps up and offers his "advice". Bildad's Seven Simple Keys to Successful Living: 1 - Rooted in Righteousness: Like the sturdy reeds in marshlands, Stand firm in God's ways, lest you wither in the drought. 2 - Remember Divine Providence: As the papyrus needs water, Never forget God's presence, lest hope fades away. 3 - Beware Fragile Trust: Like a spider's web, trust in evil breaks, Lean not on transient gains, lest your foundation crumbles. 4 - Seek the Eternal: Be not like the lush plant before the sun, For fleeting joys vanish, but the eternal endures. 5 - Embrace Divine Justice: God won't forsake the blameless, Rejoice in His promises, then shame will clothe your enemies. 6 - Learn from the Past: Seek wisdom from bygone ages, In ancestral truths find guidance, lest ignorance shadows your days. 7 - Live with Integrity: Uphold purity and righteousness, For in blamelessness lies enduring joy, while the wicked's tent fades away. Bildad's moralistic advice is tidy and neat but God works in mysterious ways and often in the messy and Bildad's problem is attempting to put a square peg in a round hole and involves things beyond his understanding. You might say there is a calculus here where the sum of 7 true sounding platitude rules of thumb can fall short of true
SB

Sue Bohlin

Ya dun good, Anna, thanks! Bildad’s hammering of Job is another reminder that even “blameless and upright” people can be misunderstood and judged unfairly. It stings. Which is why it is such a blessing to read this book and be reassured that God sees it all, and He NEVER misunderstands us. He never sees only a partial picture. We can take refuge in His omniscience and sovereignty.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Currently everything is ok. God helps me make good choices, and God helps me handle stress in positive ways. 2. God gives me wise counsel. God’s words are good. My closest friends give me wise counsel. They let God’s words shine through them. 3. Everyday I receive the Lord’s mercy. For receiving the Lord’s mercy, I say thank you to the people who help it exist. I also learn from the Lord’s mercy and help others learn from it as well. Anna - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “Sometimes trials bring us closer to God and help us become dependent on Him alone”. As we learn who God is, what He can do, and what we do as He helps us, we do grow more dependent on Him and also we each become stronger people.