In Job 8, Bildad, Job’s other friend, now speaks, rebuking Job for his response to Eliphaz. He bluntly calls Job’s defense a "great wind" (verse2), meaning that Job’s words are reckless and empty. Bildad urges Job to consult the wisdom of the ages, using nature’s imagery to support his claims. Yet, he misapplies these lessons. Bildad’s message is harsher than Eliphaz’s but carries the same theme: if Job seeks God and lives an “upright” life, then all will go well with him again. If Job was truly blameless, then he will have victory. Bildad’s message seems true and right, even logical and supported by plausible argument. However, it lacks a true understanding of God, and has an incomplete and narrow view of suffering.

Through his words, Bildad had assumed Job’s guilt, and assumed that his suffering must be the result of sin, viewing Job’s plight through a cause-and-effect lens. Instead of listening and understanding the agony that Job was going through, Bildad was quick to condemn. Like Eliphaz, Bildad failed to see the spiritual aspects behind what was physically happening to Job.

For Job, Bildad’s words are hollow. Some grief is so profound that words fail. Telling a grieving person to “stay strong” and to “look on the bright side” dismisses their pain. Job’s suffering and pain is overwhelming. Bildad’s words does not offer comfort, but only reveals his perspective that Job’s pain was unworthy of consideration.

How often have we spoken without listening? How often do we rush to give advice rather than to offer presence? How often do we dismiss someone’s experience without giving them the time and space to speak and to heal? We must avoid being a Bildad, offering truth without love. Instead, may we practise listening and being present to the person who is suffering. May we resist easy explanations and oversimplifying suffering, as well as quick solutions. May we weep with those who weep, through which we show Christ’s love. And finally, may we pray for wisdom and God’s guidance before speaking, point people around us to a personal relationship with Christ.

May we exercise truth in love and compassion.

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to be quick to listen, and slow to speak, so that I may pay attention to the needs of those around me, and offer love and compassion. I pray for Your wisdom to speak the right words, so that I may speak love and build others up. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.