Job 6

Not long ago, Lori returned to our hometown to visit her dad, who was recovering from surgery. While she was sitting with her dad in his room at a care facility, Manuel stopped by. He had been friends with Lori’s dad for many years. Lori expressed to Manuel how much she appreciated his visit, prompting him to share a story. Manuel asked, “You know Bart?” That was more like a statement than a question, as everyone in our small town knew Bart. He owned a large farm and was active in the community and church. Manuel continued, “Several years ago, tragedy struck our family. My son committed suicide. The grief was overwhelming, and it was a dark time for me. Right after the funeral, I received a call from Bart. He said he would come over in the morning with coffee to sit with me. So, the next morning, Bart showed up. We hardly spoke; we just sat there drinking coffee. Before he left, Bart promised to bring coffee again the following day and every morning after that until I told him I didn’t need him to come. Bart showed up with coffee every morning for a month until I finally felt like I had turned a corner. I can’t put into words what that meant to me.”

Job’s friends did not sit quietly drinking coffee with him. They believed that the tragedies Job was grieving and his afflicted body resulted from his sins. We have examined their counsel to Job—well, their insinuations and accusations. Now, we will explore the themes that emerge in Job’s responses. He acknowledges God’s greatness and expresses his disillusionment with God’s ways. He shares his despair over his life and his wish for a court hearing with God. Not surprisingly, Job begins his initial response by proclaiming disappointment in his friends. Can you blame him?

Job 6:1-4
Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! ³ For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. ⁴ For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

Do you remember back in chapter 3 when Job wished he had never been conceived, never been born, and hoped that death would free him from his prison of pain? Eliphaz rebuked him for such thoughts, claiming that sin was the cause of all the disasters and disease. Bildad and Zophar nodded in agreement.

But now Job defends himself: “Sure, my words may have sounded reckless, but look at me. I just buried ten children. I have lost everything. I am in severe pain. It feels as if God has shot poison arrows into me. My pain feels heavier than a bag filled with all the sand in the sea. Sure, I may have voiced thoughts I shouldn’t have said, but show me some grace.” Job felt that his friends refused to acknowledge the weight of his suffering (6:1-3), the bitterness of his soul (6:4-7), and the hopelessness of his situation (6:8-11). Their ministry to him was ineffective (6:14-30). Job compared them to “worthless physicians” (13:4).

Job laments that his friends resemble a dried-up stream, offering no water for those who are thirsty (6:15-17). He is open to listening if they have anything meaningful to share. He states, “Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray” (6:24). However, his friends show him little respect. As they deliver their accusations, they avoid making eye contact. He pleads, “Be pleased to look at me” (6:28). I recently recorded a podcast with a young woman who works with homeless individuals. I’ll never forget her reminder that the homeless are created in God’s image; therefore, we must show them respect by looking them in the eye. Job implores his friends to meet his gaze. He asserts, “I am not inferior to you” (12:3).

Job sarcastically tells Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar,

Job 26:2-3
How you have helped him who has no power! How you have saved the arm that has no strength! ³ How you have counseled him who has no wisdom, and plentifully declared sound knowledge!

Job admonishes, “How long will you torment me and break me in pieces with words?” (19:2) “Oh that you would keep silent” (13:5). Job reminds them that they called him a windbag, but he counters that they are the ones full of hot air. “Shall windy words have an end?” (16:3) Job summarizes his disappointment with these words: “Miserable comforters are you all” (16:2).

I recently met with the family of a man named John, who had passed away. John died much too young, from our human perspective. During our meeting, a care pastor and a worship leader joined us to discuss the flow of the service and the desired music. Following that, I spent some personal time with the family. At a memorial service, I aim to share the individual’s story, illustrating how God has woven his story in their lives, and use that to present the gospel as clearly as possible. While with John’s wife and teenage children, I asked them about John’s upbringing, where he went to school, and what activities he enjoyed. Was he really the star basketball player in high school that he told me he was?! I inquired about John’s family of origin, including his parents, brothers, and sisters. I asked the children to describe their dad. What stories came to mind? What words would they use for him? We shared a memorable time together, sometimes laughing and sometimes crying, as they recounted stories about a wonderful husband and father.

I then gave the children a “heads-up.” They needed to understand that many people would be at the viewings and that greeting each one would be both cathartic and exhausting. They would hear encouraging stories about their dad, who impacted many lives. However, they should also prepare for some thoughtless comments that might not sit well with them. People may share Bible verses and say their dad is in a better place, even claiming he was too good to stay on earth and that God needed him in heaven. While these are well-intentioned words, they can lead to thoughts like, Why would someone think that saying this is helpful?

Job was disappointed with his friends because they talked too much about things they didn’t understand. Let’s not follow their lead. Instead, let’s follow Bart’s lead—with the offer of a cup of coffee and the ministry of presence.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 6
Several passages describe Job’s disillusionment with his friends. As you read, focus on Job 6. Job strives to make his friends grasp the depth of his suffering and the pain caused by their responses.   

Talking to God
Ask God for the words to say when a friend is hurting. Perhaps, like Bart, you should offer to sit with them over coffee.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon.

Last week, Craig Wolfley went to be with the Lord. Craig was a former Steeler and the color analyst for the Steelers Radio Broadcast. This week, in tribute to Craig, we re-released a podcast I did with him a few months ago. Find it at The Journey with Ron Moore Podcast, Episode 69.