Job's Friends

Job’s Friends

One of the best-known stories of the Bible is the chronicled misfortune of the man Job. Satan asks God for permission to test Job’s loyalty. When all is stripped away through death and disaster, does Job’s faithfulness to God stand up? This Old Testament book addresses the nagging questions evil, human suffering, and the unfairness of life.

I have read the book of Job many times. I come away with more questions than answers, not an unusual consequence of Bible reading. I will say this: Job’s struggle with the unfairness of life continues to challenge me to stand steady in the midst of adversity.

While Job struggles with all that is happening, one by one his friends approach him speaking first words of comfort. When Job refuses to be comforted, their words turn to criticism. These long monologues only add to Job’s suffering. Life becomes unbearable when the circumstances and the counsel of friends turn against you.

I identify with Job. When life sends trouble my way the last thing I need are the discomforting words of criticism and accusation. It isn't difficult to point out another’s problem when they are not your own. It takes a whole different attitude to come alongside and encourage. Funny that word encourage. It literally means to “fill with courage.”

In the middle of the story, Job cries out, “But I know there is someone in heaven who will come to my defense.” There are times when the only one left to cry out to is the one we blame for our troubles. Job knew the character of God. Even though he did not understand why all this was happening, he stood his ground and cried out for the only help he could count on.

Life has a way of teaching these lessons. Some are more painful than others. How blessed are we when the Lord sends a true friend to encourage us in the time of our trials. The Bible says: “Wounds of a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”