Bible Study

*Just for your thoughts.*

The Book of Job
Expository Commentary‌ on the Book of Job

Bible Study – 7

From Job chapters 3–31, we find the dialogues between Job and his three friends. These conversations are arranged in three rounds:
First Round: Job 3–11
Second Round: Job 12–20

Third Round: Job 21–31

Three Rounds of Talks Job Had with His Friends
In this study, let us briefly examine what Eliphaz said to Job.

Throughout his speeches, Eliphaz makes many statements about God. However, we should not assume that everything he said is the very word of God. The fact that these speeches are recorded in Scripture does not mean that every statement he made is divinely approved.

The Holy Spirit inspired the biblical writers to record these conversations truthfully, but that does not imply that He endorses every opinion expressed in them.
Therefore, each statement must be understood in the light of the whole counsel of Scripture.

The Bible records not only God's words, but also the words of people who opposed God, the words of Satan, and the incomplete or mistaken understanding of Job's friends. For this reason, every statement must be interpreted according to its context, historical setting, and the overall teaching of Scripture.

This is an essential principle that every believer should understand.

Now let us consider the statements made by Eliphaz in Job chapters 4 and 5, where he spoke about God without fully understanding God's purpose or Job's true condition.

The Mistaken Ideas Presented by Eliphaz
1. "You reap what you sow." (Job 4:7–8)
Eliphaz concluded that Job's suffering was God's punishment for his sins (Job 5:17–18). However, because he did not know God's purpose in Job's life, his conclusion was incorrect.

2. He Spoke Condescendingly to Job
Eliphaz reminded Job that he had once strengthened others, yet now he himself had become discouraged in suffering. Instead of comforting Job, he belittled him.
His words lacked genuine love and compassion. True comfort comes only when the right words are spoken at the right time and in the right spirit. Eliphaz failed to do this.

3. Some of Eliphaz's Statements Were Theologically True
Some of Eliphaz's statements express general biblical truths.
"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." (Job 5:9)
This statement agrees with the teaching of Scripture. However, although the principle itself is true, Eliphaz wrongly applied it to Job's personal situation.

As a result, his conclusions and counsel became misguided.

4. An Accusation Without Evidence
Without any evidence, Eliphaz indirectly accused Job of suffering because of personal sin. According to the biblical revelation concerning Job, this accusation was false.

5. He Elevated a Personal Spiritual Experience to Authority
In Job 4:12–21, Eliphaz appeals to a personal vision to support his argument.

Personal visions or spiritual experiences should never become the sole basis for advising others or judging their circumstances. Every spiritual experience must be tested and evaluated in the light of Scripture.

Otherwise, it can lead to false conclusions.
Summary
Eliphaz's counsel lacked genuine empathy—the ability to enter into another person's suffering and understand it from within.

At the beginning, he showed some sympathy, but as the conversation progressed, even that faded away.
If sympathy never grows into empathy, its value is greatly diminished.
Although Eliphaz spoke some sound theological truths, he misapplied them to Job's unique situation. Consequently, instead of bringing comfort, his counsel became an instrument of accusation.
Lessons God Teaches Us
Many times, when people offer comfort without truly understanding another person's experience, their words do not lessen the pain; instead, they deepen the wound.
Therefore, whenever we seek to comfort those who are suffering, may God grant us the grace to approach them with humility, wisdom, love, and genuine compassion.