As the discussion begins, we see three different viewpoints from Job's friends: Eliphaz (the traditionalist), Bildad (the legalist), and Zophar (the dogmatist). While they said some true things, they were of no help to Job because their viewpoint was too narrow and their theology was rigid and dead.
The Rigid Viewpoint
- Eliphaz: Based his speeches on his own observations and tradition. He viewed God as an inflexible Lawgiver who only punishes the guilty (Job 4:7).
- Bildad: A legalist who believed God never rejects a blameless man (Job 8:20). He cruelly assumed Job's children died because they were sinners.
- Zophar: The youngest and most dogmatic. He was merciless, telling Job that God was giving him far less than he actually deserved for his sins (Job 11:6).
The "Curse of Controversy"
Job's friends were fuming and annoyed because his refusal to admit sin undermined their entire theology. They were afraid that if a righteous man like Job could suffer, then they were also in danger. By maintaining his integrity, Job challenged them to go deeper into the heart of God, but they preferred the superficial and safe.
What Satan could not do with wind and raids, he attempted to do through the "unmitigated curse of controversy" from these friends. They were "physicians of no value," whose diagnosis was wrong and whose remedy was useless. They stayed on the surface of things and never went deep into God's truth or Job's feelings.
- True counseling demands love, courage, and patience to go deep. Are you a "whitewasher" or a true healer in your conversations?
- "There is nothing you can't prove if your outlook is only sufficiently limited." How does a narrow theology limit our understanding of God?
Next Up: Job's passionate appeals for a "Daysman" or Mediator.