Job 6:1-30
Q.1. How great was Job’s suffering? What point was he making in his reference to the animal kingdom? What was his comfort in the midst of his trials? – (Job 6:1-13)
Eliphaz had been most unjust to attack Job’s integrity … all the more so, because Job’s suffering was so intense. However, because he had no insight into the cause of Job’s calamity, Job humbly confessed – my words have been rash (Job 6:3). Job accepted that animals will not complain while they have plenty. He implied that this is also so with people … and himself. It is when severe trials come that people may even call out for God to end their lives – anything for the suffering to stop (Job 6:8-9). However, one thing comforted him while in the grip of his devastating pain is – that I have not denied the words of the Holy One (Job 6:10).
Q.2. Why should we be cautious when dealing with people who are suffering? How did Job feel about the advice of his friends? What was he looking for from his friends? – (Job 6:14-30)
We can all benefit from the counsel, yes even strong words, of a friend (Prov.27:6). However, we must be careful not to further break an already broken person – “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty (Job 6:14). Up to this point, Job’s friends had been singularly unhelpful in his sorrow (Job 6:11 & 14). They were like a deceitful stream in the desert, that promises hope to thirsty travellers (Job 6:14-21). Job was not seeking any advantage from them, but only genuine support and comfort. The comments of Eliphaz only served to increase Job’s suffering (Job 6:21). He had never treated them with lies and deception. He asked why their past confidence in him has turned to suspicion now that trouble had overtaken him (Job 6:28-30).