So far, in the second round of the debate between Job and his friends, Eliphaz has spoken and Job has replied. Now we hear Bildad’s speech.

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:
2 “How long until you make an end of words?
You must consider, and then we can talk.
3 Why should we be regarded as beasts,
and considered stupid in your sight?
4 You who tear yourself to pieces in your anger,
will the earth be abandoned for your sake?
Or will a rock be moved from its place?

5 “Yes, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished;
his flame of fire does not shine.
6 The light in his tent grows dark;
his lamp above him is extinguished.
7 His vigorous steps are restricted,
and his own counsel throws him down.
8 For he has been thrown into a net by his feet,
and he wanders into a mesh.
9 A trap seizes him by the heel;
a snare grips him.
10 A rope is hidden for him on the ground,
and a trap for him lies on the path.
11 Terrors frighten him on all sides
and dog his every step.
12 Calamity is hungry for him,
and misfortune is ready at his side.
13 It eats away parts of his skin;
the most terrible death devours his limbs.
14 He is dragged from the security of his tent,
and marched off to the king of terrors.
15 Fire resides in his tent;
over his residence burning sulfur is scattered.
16 Below his roots dry up,
and his branches wither above.
17 His memory perishes from the earth
he has no name in the land.
18 He is driven from light into darkness
and is banished from the world.
19 He has neither children nor descendants among his people,
no survivor in those places he once stayed.
20 People of the west are appalled at his fate;
people of the east are seized with horror, saying,
21 ‘Surely such is the residence of an evil man;
and this is the place of one who has not known God.’”

REFLECTIONS

As we listen to the increasingly angry speeches of Job’s friends, it helps us to see how much patience and gospel focus is required for us to be true friends to those who experience long-term suffering.

Eliphaz’s first speech included words of comfort and assurance. Bildad’s first speech was less positive, but he still promised that if Job repented, he would be blessed once again. But now, Bildad launches into an unrelenting, vicious attack on Job. He describes all the torments and terrors that God has in store for “the wicked” in general. He doesn’t say it directly, but his point is crystal-clear: “Job, you are one of those wicked people, and all this will happen to you.”

Bildad started with a “formula” view of God. He had no humility and no room for any mystery in God’s dealings with people. It seems like that mindset means he is not prepared to persevere in empathy and compassion. So now, his words have no grace, and no gospel hope left in them – they have shifted to pure harshness and judgment.

It makes me wonder: Why is he saying any of this? What’s the point? It seems the only purpose now is to belittle and batter Job, to put him in his place. But in Ephesians 4:29, Paul encourages us to say “only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

If you have ever been called on to support a Christian brother or sister who has gone through long-term suffering, spend a moment thinking about the words you used with them. Did your words change over time – and did they become more grace- and gospel-filled, or less? Ask God to give you humility and the heart of Christ, so that you can persevere in patient kindness.