| The three or four friends listened quietly while Job poured out his questions (c.3). Then one of them began to answer him. Each in turn insisted on the same theme: Innocent people do not suffer. Therefore Job must be a great sinner. They simply did not understand the situation. These three "hospital visitors" came and when they started talking, they had plenty to say. But they talked without feeling for Job. They talked without knowledge. They didn't know what God was doing. They talked without helping Job. Job cried out, "I want a friend." They were called his friends but they didn't do what friends should do. They could have listened more. They could have prayed for him and with him. They could have identified with him but they didn't. What does all of that say to us about helping our friends? Eliphaz spoke first. He had two points to make, "I've had a vision, so I am well able to speak about your condition (vv.12-16). Second, all suffering is because of sin. So, Job, you must have sinned. If I were you, I would seek God and put myself in his hands." (5:8) Bildad was even more outspoken. In chapter 8 he rebukes Job (8:1-2). In verse 4 he charges Job's children with sin as if they only got what they deserved. In verses 8-10 he says, "Look back at history, at our forefathers. They will agree with what we are saying". Zophar (c.11) is the most unsympathetic. He even said (11:6) "God has even forgotten some of your sins". In other words, he has let you off lightly. Three times each of them spoke and Job answered them. And the friends were basically wrong in what they said. These trials were not God's punishment of Job. They were allowed because of God's confidence in Job, which is a different story altogether. Tomorrow let's look further at what Job said when undergoing these trials, especially in answer to the words of his so called friends. | 
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