Lessons from Job

Part 2: Bildad

Xanthe Galanis

“But now be so kind as to look at me. Would I lie to your face? Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake. Is there any wickedness on my lips? Can my mouth not discern malice?"

Job 6: 28-30

Then Bildad the Shuhite replied: “How long will you say such things? 
Your words are a blustering wind. Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?"

Job 8:1-3

After Eliphaz tries to talk Job into repenting, Job gets angry. His friends still believe that he must have sinned, and he asks them to reconsider for the sake of his integrity. Bildad now enters the conversation, and he shows none of the modesty and caution that Eliphaz did.

Bildad is offended at Job's speech. He calls Job's words "a blustering wind" (8:2)." What is meant by this is not that Job has "blown smoke," as we might say, but Job's words are like a destructive storm. Bildad is stung by Job's words against God: 'How can you,' he asks, 'accuse God of perverting justice? (8:3)" It is almost as if Bildad has confidently taken on the role of divine spokesman or press secretary; an attack on God must be fended off vigorously. So, this is Bildad's dilemma. He must cut off Job's words but he still wants to give a word of hope.

Bildad also makes many assumptions about both his friend and about what God is doing in Job's life.  He cannot and will not believe that Job is innocent, and he appeals to the past generations for their knowledge (Job 8:8-10), and proceeds to quote their proverbs to Job. Eliphaz made assumptions based on his experience, and Bildad makes them based on history and who he thinks God is. Both of them are wrong.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I've been arrogant enough to think I know what you are doing in my friends' lives, and I have given them advice that does more harm than good. Amen