Job’s Friends

Much can be learned from the example of Job and his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. When we are aware of a friend who is hurting, we can follow the positive example of these men by going to the person, mourning with them, and spending time together. Our physical presence with a hurting friend can be a great comfort in and of itself, even if we have no words to say.

In addition, we can gain wisdom from what Job’s friends did wrong. These three men gave a series of speeches to Job, recorded in chapters 4-25. Their speeches include many inaccuracies, primarily involving why God allows people to suffer. God was not pleased: “My anger burns against you [Eliphaz] and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right” (Job 42:7). Be careful quoting verses from Job: the words of Job’s friends are not to be trusted.

Unlike Job’s friends, we should not assume that troubles are the sure sign of God’s judgment (see John 9:1-3). Instead of telling a hurting person to admit his wrong and repent (when we do not know the reason for the suffering), we can join together and encourage a friend to endure faithfully, knowing God sees their pain and has a purpose for it. God used Job’s sufferings as a test and as part of His sovereign plan in Job’s life.

We can offer great encouragement and hope to those in need. This is a great application of Romans 12:15: “weep with those who weep.” When we are willing to enter into the pain of a suffering friend, we follow the example of Jesus, who came to bear our pain and suffer in our place. Our help to those in need is ultimately a way we serve Christ (Matthew 25:40).

—Adapted from GotQuestions.org