What Kind of Friend are You?

Job 8

The second of Job’s 3 friends try to offer Bildad offers his advice. Remember that his 3 friends came and just sat with him for 7 days as he mourned and was in sorrow. The first friend, Eliphaz, decided to share with Job that there must have been some reason why he is receiving all this sorrow. He thinks Job must have done something to deserve it and must have sinned for some reason. Job responds with that can he not receive unmerited suffering as well as unmerited grace. 

Eliphaz gives his words.

This chapter we can sum up two things that Eliphaz tells Job. 1) If Job was a blameless man, God would not have rejected him and 2) The tent of the wicked does not stand long. We read this and we can almost think that it was truth that he was saying but it was far from it. Instead of just being there for Job and comforting, maybe by not opening their mouths, they start talking like they know who God is. They assume that God only gives blessings for the righteous and if something bad happened then you must be accursed. 

Is this a good friend? Is this someone you would want in your corner? Do you think his words are comforting to Job? They are really not, instead of turning Job’s attention on God’s grace and hope, they make it seem like God is cruel is his givings. 

A True Friend

A true friend would be someone that does not run from your hardships but endures it with you. Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those that weep. Job was weeping and yes, his friends wept with him but then they decided to open their mouths. 

There is one thing that I have learned from being married for 3 years. When my wife wants to talk to me about a problem, she just wants me to listen and when she asks for advice then I give it. Job’s friends were quick on the “I can solve this.” What happened was false and improper help. This help to someone that may not be a righteous person like Job could have been devastating. That is why it is so important for us to give the council of the Lord. We do that by pointing them to the Word of God. It needs to not be our words but the active and living word. What kind of friend are you?