Job’s Friends

For the first three friends of the patriarch, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, the problem is simple: every specific suffering is the result of a specific sin. It is proportional to the severity of the offense. Since Job’s trials are exceptional, he must have been especially guilty, and consequently, the only solution for him is to confess his fault; then God will forgive him and restore him.

Each of the three friends presents the same thesis in his particular style: Eliphaz with solemn condescension, Bildad by lining up maxims, and Zophar with youthful impetuosity. It can also be noted that as the discussion continues, the accusations of the three friends become increasingly violent.

At first, they use a certain degree of caution. They remind Job of how he was able to support others. They content themselves with general terms to say that it is the guilty who suffer. But as the discussion continues, they grow irritated by seeing their friend oppose their point of view and refuse the acts of contrition they recommend. Therefore, they speak to him with increasing bitterness, accusing him of destroying the fear of God and annihilating every movement of piety.

Ultimately, Eliphaz overwhelms Job with a series of reproaches, which are entirely unfounded, accusing him of setting a completely unworthy example. In your suffering, they will make you bear the blame for what is happening to you and will accuse you of provoking God’s anger in your life, even though this suffering comes for a glorious purpose.

In the face of these types of friends, you must remain calm and not fall into a state of victimization.

Job’s Wife

“Curse God and die,” was the advice Job’s wife gave to her husband. The Bible mentions Job’s wife in this context and paints an unconventional picture of this wife who appears in everyone’s eyes as someone with little regard for God.

In this phrase, you can understand the very image of the wife of an upright man like Job, who knew the laws and principles of the spiritual world, practiced the great principles that govern spirits. It is difficult to believe that a man of this caliber would be married to a woman described in this way.

This is the image of a person who, in your suffering, comes only to make you believe that it’s over for you, that you are at the last stage of your suffering, and that nothing and no one can help you. There are people like this who, seeing your condition, think that it’s the end for you. These kinds of people are capable of shaking your faith and making you doubt God’s promises.

Job replied to her, “You speak like a foolish woman.” When you have such friends in front of you, don’t listen to them for long, as it could lead you to believe that God is no longer with you…

This text is an excerpt from the book When Wine Becomes Vinegar written by Chloé Yandoli.

We invite you to read the following article “THE ATTITUDE FOR SURVIVAL.”