Job 4:1-7:21

Job and his 3 friends.  I can see the eye rolling and head shaking as they talk.  When someone is in a certain mood (usually foul), there is no convincing them of anything!  I have days where I'll argue the color of the sky just to vent.

Eliphaz in chapter 4 admonishes Job for not taking his own advice.  Basically saying, "You were there for others.  You strengthened them and supported them and instructed them.  Now you have been hit and you are wallowing. What makes you so much better than everyone else??"

Then he relays a message to Job "Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his maker?" (4:17)  And he encourages job to appeal to God, to lay down his cause before him. "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." (5:9) He continues to remind Job of all that God does.  In all times and circumstances.  I like the way Eliphaz ends "So hear it and apply it to yourself." (5:27)

Don't we need to do that?  It is often easier to lift up others. encourage them.  but keep wallowing in our own misfortune, sin, etc.  We need to listen to what we say to others.  Practice what you preach isn't a cliche for nothing. It has a ring of truth to it.

Then Job resumes his tirade. He thinks his misery weighs 'more than the sands of the seas' (6:3)  He criticizes his friends. Telling them they are of no help. they are afraid.  Of course they are afraid.  but they are there! doesn't that count for something?

But haven't we felt like this, "Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul." (7:11)  and Job wants to hide. to be left alone.  I know that feeling. but he has friends with him who care...