In this chapter, Job’s other friend, Bildad, may be speaking truth to Job, but in my opinion seems a little insensitive. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Then Bildad the Shuhite replied to Job: “How long will you go on like this? Your words are a blustering wind. Does God twist justice? Does the Almighty twist what is right? Your children obviously sinned against him, so their punishment was well deserved. (Wow! How, as a friend, do you make a statement like that…charging someone’s children of sinning and saying their punishment is well deserved? With friends like that, who needs enemies?!?) But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, if you are pure and live with complete integrity, he will rise up and restore your happy home. And though you started with little, you will end with much.
“Just ask the former generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors. For we were born but yesterday and know so little. Our days on earth are as transient as a shadow. But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you from the wisdom of former generations.
“Can papyrus reeds grow where there is no marsh? Can bulrushes flourish where there is no water? While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither. Such is the fate of all who forget God. The hope of the godless will collapse. They are leaning on a spiderweb. They cling to their home for security, but it won’t last. They try to hold it fast, but it will not endure. The godless seem so strong, like a lush plant growing in the sunshine, its branches spreading across the garden. Its roots grow down through a pile of rocks to hold it firm. But when it is uprooted, it isn’t even missed! That is the end of its life, and others spring up from the earth to replace it.
But look! God will not reject a person of integrity, nor will he make evildoers prosper. 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 destroyed.” (Job 8) (Yes, Lord!)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us in our counsel to friends and relatives to be sensitive and empathetic as we attempt to comfort them. Help us place ourselves in their shoes, and try to imagine our own feelings if it were us going through those same circumstances. And help us seek you for guidance during those times, so you can place the words of comfort needed in our hearts. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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