Day 23

Job 15-18.  “Is It Proud or Appropriate”

Three of Job’s friends show up after his intense time of suffering.  For seven days and nights they sit silent with him.  Their time of silently grieving with their friend is a beautiful and powerful example of concern.  But then they begin to talk, they reason and try to explain why this could be happening.  Their conclusion is that the blame falls on Job.
Today’s passage points out an interesting trait (or perhaps flaw) in human character.  Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar were older than Job’s father (15:10).  They were not just peers, but men who believed they held the right answers.  They all take a turn discussing their theory with Job.  Then, starting at chapter 15 they each take a second turn.  In chapter 22 they start the third round.  In each instance they are not stating new ideas, but stating their original ideas more forcefully.
Job gives them a fitting reply, “I have heard all of this before.  What miserable comforters you are!” (16:1).  Remember, the wise use few words, and the comforter does not use the opportunity to prove a point.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?