Day 7: Job part 3

As Job's “friends” continue with their misguided comfort, Job's patience wears thin. The patience of Job is a legendary thing, but in reality, poor old Job loses his rag with his comforters pretty freely. That's not to say that they don't deserve it, but unfortunately they are so convinced they are right that nothing will change their minds. Have I ever been this certain, and this wrong? I expect so. Worryingly, I'm not aware of it.

Job reproves his friends

Job 13:1-12

He professes his confidence in God and entreats to know his sins

Job 13:13-28

Job speaks of human life and death

Job 14:1-15

By sin humanity is subject to corruption

Job 14:16-22

The Second Round of Speeches

Eliphaz reproves Job

Job 15:1-16

The unease of the wicked

Job 15:17-35

Job reproves his friends

Job 16:1-5

He represents his case as deplorable and maintains his innocence

Job 16:6-22

Job appeals to God and puts his hope in death

Job 17:1-16

Bildad reproves Job

Job 18:1-4

Ruin awaits the wicked

Job 18:5-21

There's a lot of reproof today! Everybody is reproving each other, left right and centre.
Job is an honest man. When his friends are talking rubbish, he tells them so. 13:5 - “If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” Job asks God to show him if he has sinned. That reminds me of a preacher who said, if you want an answered prayer, then pray this; “O God, show me something I need to repent of.” But if Job is as righteous as he is made out to be, God will be silent. Then Eliphaz speaks, and there is no connection between them. No connection at all. He doesn't understand Job, and he talks completely across him. These days, we accord someone a certain dignity in their suffering. We listen to them, and show them respect. Eliphaz's words aim to flatten Job completely. Job in his response mentions the theme of blood again: 16:18 - “O earth, do not cover my blood: may my cry never be laid to rest.” Job wants his blood to plead his case unsilenced, no doubt hoping that it will be heard, as was Abel's. Finally for today, Bildad speaks again, basically saying, Job, shut up! We know that evil people suffer. You're suffering, so the conclusion is a no brainer.