Job 8 Bildad’s First Response to Job
“Then Bildad the Shuhite replied to Job: “How long will you go on like this? You sound like a blustering wind. Does God twist justice? Does the Almighty twist what is right? Your children must have sinned against him, so their punishment was well deserved.”
HORRIBLE! In the wake of the catastrophic flooding in Texas, self-appointed critics began spouting all kinds of theories about what those who died or suffered during the floods should have done. One of the foulest kinds of criticism was aimed at parents who lost children through no fault of their own. Critics claimed that families should never have camped as close to the Guadelupe River as they did, or that they should have awakened sooner. The theories are ridiculous, endless, and cruel. One mother had her young son torn from her arms by the flood waters while her daughter clung to her neck. A 27-year-old father smashed through a window, nearly amputating his own arm, but creating a means of escape for the rest of his family. We know nothing about Bildad, not even whether he has a family of his own. But Bildad has no problem judging Job’s children as horrible sinners. We are tempted to wonder what Bildad’s children might do in later years.
“But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home. And though you started with little, you will end with much.”
Gee thanks, Bildad! You’re saying these things to a man who has lost nine sons and one daughter, children he has hugged, kissed, comforted when they have gotten hurt, and generally has loved on for decades. While tossing and turning at night, Job remembers the sweet voices of his dead children. The last thing Job needs to hear is that he needs to pray more and be purer than he already has been. And by the way, Bildad, how pure are you? How much integrity do you have?
“Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors. For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow. But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you the wisdom of old. Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh? Can marsh grass flourish without water? While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither more quickly than grass. The same happens to all who forget God. The hopes of the godless evaporate. Their confidence hangs by a thread. They are leaning on a spider’s web. They cling to their home for security, but it won’t last. They try to hold it tight, but it will not endure. The godless seem like a lush plant growing in the sunshine, its branches spreading across the garden. Its roots grow down through a pile of stones; it takes hold on a bed of rocks. But when it is uprooted, it’s as though it never existed! That’s the end of its life, and others spring up from the earth to replace it.”
Poor Job! By now Job must be wondering what he has done to deserve Bildad coming in to lecture him on things he has known for years. When people refer to “the patience of Job,” they generally are referring to Job’s persistence in the face of physical suffering. But looking closely at the meaningless speeches of Job’s friends, it’s obvious that Job must have infinite patience to sit there while someone with far less life experience goes on ad nauseum, ad infinitum.
“But look, God will not reject a person of integrity, nor will he lend a hand to the wicked. He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the home of the wicked will be destroyed.” Nice try, Bildad, but you’ve already failed miserably. Watching Bildad try redeem himself after making foolish hurtful statements is a lot like watching a man who has painted himself into a corner get out without getting wet paint on his feet.
What is it about some people, that they say scathing things and then think they can fix everything by attaching some sugary sentiment at the end? Bildad has just spent a long time insulting Job, saying that Job’s complaints are nothing but bluster, implying that Job’s children must have been terrible sinners who deserved their fate, and that Job is a foolish man with no common sense. Now Bildad is trying to make himself look good with this final statement.
Decades ago, there was a show on American television called “The Gong Show.” This show allowed all kinds of amateur entertainers the opportunity to perform on television. Those who did well would make it through their entire performance. On the other hand, singers who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, magicians who dropped their props, and other unfortunates would hear a loud “BONG” as a gong sounded off-stage, indicating that their time was up. At this point, Job needs a gong so he can hit it when his friends reach the point of redundant absurdity.
There’s a saying in the American South that “Everybody is good for something, even if it’s only to serve as a bad example.” Bildad is definitely a bad example. All we can do is try not to behave like Bildad!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to truly comfort others and not to abuse them while we are giving advice. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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