Four friends offer advice to Job.
The first of Job’s three friends to speak in (Job 4-5). We find his second speech in (Job 15) where he becomes harsher, accusing Job of arrogance. Then he gives a third speech (Job 22) where he directly accuses Job of specific sins (like exploiting the poor and withholding water and food from the needy), with no evidence. The level of insensitivity in these statements is shocking. Imagine this being spoken to a man who just lost everything, including his children.
Job 5:2-4 Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple. 3 I have seen the fool taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling. 4 His children are far from safety; they are crushed in the gate, and there is no one to deliver them. ESV
These three friends keep piling it on! Then a little later, in chapters 32-37, the fourth friend, a younger man Elihu burns with anger correcting these older men being too soft with Job. He then scolds Job for justifying himself before God and keeps going on and on over these six chapters.
All together the three older friends speak about 4,800 words (averaging 1,600 words each). This harsh, angry young man more than doubles that with 3,400 words. Proverbs 10:19 comes to mind that says when words are many sin is not absent. This young man was angry, immature and emotionally charged just like many Christians in our day. Social media rants say way more about you than the topic you’re ranting about.
Job’s friends were just repeating rigid religious statements without gracious relational care or concern. Job says, “you are all miserable comforters” in chapter 16.
Honest pain surrounded by conventional religious wisdom can add to frustration and contribute to pain. It is easier to come to simplified, legalistic conclusions than it is to wrestle with the deeper realities of God that combine both his majesty and his mystery.
Proverbs speaks of how a virtuous life results in blessing. But Job reveals how a virtuous life was actually what provoked his suffering. With tensions blaring it actually helps us live more fully in a world where virtue often rewarded but can sometimes be disrupted.
Be kind and compassionate, everyone is facing challenges you know nothing about. People need your embrace more than they need your advice.
GP2RL: Take some time to reflect deeply on the serenity prayer this week. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to tell the difference.”
