According to Grammarist.com, the idiom fair-weather friend is related to a mariner’s term. In sailing, fair weather is easy and pleasant, promising smooth sailing. This phrase, recorded in the 18th century, was used metaphorically to describe friends who are only around when life is easy and leave you when things get tough.

We would have hoped that Eliphaz, having listened to the dialogue between Job and his companions, would have gained compassion toward Job. Unfortunately, he accused Job of being ignorant (vv. 2–3) and wicked (v. 20). He warned that the life of the wicked would be full of pain (v. 20). He feared the dark (v. 23). His peace would be disturbed (v. 21). He would be hungry (v. 23). His wealth and possessions would be taken away (v. 29). Job is hurting, claimed Eliphaz, because he had pridefully rebelled against God (v. 25).

If the narrator had not granted us permission in chapters 1 and 2, to see the heavenly discourse between God and Satan, we might have agreed with Eliphaz. But we know better. In his previous reply, Eliphaz urged Job to repent and receive God’s blessing (5:17). Eliphaz turned from friend to adversary, perhaps because Job had not accepted the group’s false accusation of him.

Instead of opposing Job, this would have been a great time for Eliphaz and his companions to seek God’s wisdom. Rather than assuming Job was lying, they could have petitioned God for enlightenment. We may not always understand what our friends are going through, but we can always seek God’s wisdom. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” In times of trouble, a true friend runs in when everyone else runs out.

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