Job 8

Now Bildad decided to reply to Job.

Job 8.1-7:

"Then Bildad the Shuhite replied to Job:

2 “How long will you go on like this?
You sound like a blustering wind.
3 Does God twist justice?
Does the Almighty twist what is right?
4 Your children must have sinned against him,
so their punishment was well deserved.
5 But if you pray to God
and seek the favor of the Almighty,
6 and if you are pure and live with integrity,
he will surely rise up and restore your happy home.
7 And though you started with little,
you will end with much."

(Want a Different Translation? Click Here!)

While Bildad says things here that accurate in the sense of how God never twists justice. However in verse 4, we run into the issue that Eliphaz ran into as well. Both of these guys have ‘assumed.’ It’s so crazy how accurate things you say can be, but you can still have one part that’s not on target at all. In this case, verses 2-3 = spot on; verses 5-7 = pretty much spot on; verse 4 = *Buzzer sound*. Something that I’m learning more and more each day, is that I have no right to make assumptions like this about people. Every one of us are sinners. That’s very clear. The only difference between me and other people, might very well be that I know the One who can save people and they don’t. 

Job 8.8-10:

8 “Just ask the previous generation.
Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors.
9 For we were born but yesterday and know nothing.
Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow.
10 But those who came before us will teach you.
They will teach you the wisdom of old."

(Want a Different Translation? Click Here!)

There’s some wisdom here in Bildad’s encouragement to seek advice/insight from older generations. I think there’s something special and cool about having older people who have been through similar situations that we are going through now and that we can talk with them to get their insight and advice. 

Job 8.11-19:

11 “Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh?
Can marsh grass flourish without water?
12 While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut,
they begin to wither more quickly than grass.
13 The same happens to all who forget God.
The hopes of the godless evaporate.
14 Their confidence hangs by a thread.
They are leaning on a spider’s web.
15 They cling to their home for security, but it won’t last.
They try to hold it tight, but it will not endure.
16 The godless seem like a lush plant growing in the sunshine,
its branches spreading across the garden.
17 Its roots grow down through a pile of stones;
it takes hold on a bed of rocks.
18 But when it is uprooted,
it’s as though it never existed!
19 That’s the end of its life,
and others spring up from the earth to replace it."

(Want a Different Translation? Click Here!)

I see some of Bildad’s words here today too. I see many non-believers clinging to their material possessions, living in a state of poverty, and living without hope because of these conditions. It truly breaks my heart whenever I see people like this. Wow. I also really like Bildad’s imagery here in verses 16-19. I can picture a tree being uprooted and then completely forgotten about, so I kind of like this illustration.

Job 8.20-22:

20 “But look, God will not reject a person of integrity,
nor will he lend a hand to the wicked.
21 He will once again fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.
22 Those who hate you will be clothed with shame,
and the home of the wicked will be destroyed.”

(Want a Different Translation? Click Here!)

Something that I want to share now is the fact that I agree with Bildad’s words here. While I believe that they might not take place here in this life, I believe that they will take place, because the next life in itself fulfills these words. No matter what situation I find myself in, I can always find comfort in the fact that God loves me, knows me, and will not reject me as long as I’m in Christ and live my life with integrity, pursuing Him above all else! =)

What do you all think?

“Father I pray that we would all be people of integrity. May we honor You with every area of our lives and may we make You proud. If ever a situation arises in our life that threatens our commitment to You, I pray that we would remain faithful to You as You remain faithful to us. God we love You so much! It’s in Jesus’ name that I pray, amen!”