“Now, Job, hear my words, please” (JOB 33:1).
1, 2. In what difficult situation are Elihu and Job's three acquaintances?
Elihu and Job's three acquaintances find themselves in an extremely painful situation. Job, who was once a very rich and respected man, has lost absolutely everything in a very short time: his possessions, his servants, his children, and his health.
When Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar arrive to see him, they find a devastated man, sick and sitting among ashes, completely overcome by grief. The scene is so shocking that they don't speak a single word for seven days. Later, Job breaks his silence, wishing he had never been born, which makes clear the depth of his suffering.
3. What are we going to see in this article?
In this article, we will analyze how the book of Job teaches us to give good advice when others are suffering. To do this, we will first examine the bad example of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who said things that did not reflect Jehovah's viewpoint and did not help Job. Then we will analyze the good example of Elihu, whose words were inspired by Jehovah and were upbuilding.
The contrast between these two approaches allows us to identify which attitudes and words we should avoid and which we should emulate. Furthermore, we will see how these lessons benefited the Israelites and how they can help us today.
THE COUNCILS OF ELIFAZ, BILDAD, AND ZOFAR
4. Why were Job's three acquaintances unable to comfort him? (See also the picture.)
Job’s three acquaintances failed to comfort him because they made several serious mistakes. First, they jumped to conclusions, thinking that Jehovah was punishing him for some sin, without knowing all the facts. Second, many of their comments were insensitive and hurtful. They spoke words that sounded good, but they were empty and offered no real comfort.
Furthermore, they spoke to him in an arrogant and judgmental tone, as if they felt superior to him. Instead of listening empathetically, they focused on proving Job wrong. All of this meant that their advice did not reflect Jehovah's viewpoint and did not help their friend spiritually.
ILLUSTRATION
One of Job's supposed friends speaks harshly to him while the other two watch. Job, whose body is covered in painful sores, sits on the ground listening to their advice.
When giving advice to someone, let's not make them feel superior; our goal should be to help them. (See paragraph 4).
5. What did Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar achieve with their advice?
Far from helping, the advice of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar only made Job feel more crushed. Their harsh, unsympathetic words made him feel attacked, causing him to defend his reputation and, in moments of frustration, to say inappropriate things.
Furthermore, they expressed ideas that did not reflect Jehovah’s viewpoint, giving a distorted image of God. Unwittingly, they became instruments of Satan, who wanted Job to lose his integrity. This account clearly shows that ill-advised counsel can cause much spiritual harm.
6. What might the elders of Israel have learned from the bad example of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar?
The elders of Israel could learn that giving good counsel requires listening carefully, thoroughly investigating the facts, and speaking kindly. Jehovah had established that judges should listen carefully before making decisions and not take anything for granted.
The negative example of Job’s friends reminded them that a harsh or hasty tone could harden the heart of someone seeking help. Instead of making the person feel like a burden, they were to reflect Jehovah’s justice and compassion. Thus, Job’s account served as a very clear warning to those with shepherding responsibilities.
7. Besides the elders, who in Israel could advise others, and what could they learn from the account of Job? (Proverbs 27:9).
It wasn't only the elders who could give counsel in Israel. In fact, any servant of Jehovah, young or old, male or female, could lovingly encourage and correct others. Proverbs 27:9 shows that sincere counsel is a sign of true friendship.
By analyzing the bad example of Job's three acquaintances, the Israelites could learn which words to avoid and which attitudes not to imitate. They learned that good intentions alone are not enough; it is essential to show empathy, listen attentively, and speak with kindness. This story helped the entire community become better friends and better spiritual advisors.
8. What mistakes should we avoid when giving advice? (See also the images).
When giving advice, we must avoid repeating the mistakes Job made. First, we shouldn't draw conclusions without knowing all the facts. Second, it's essential to always base our advice on God's Word and not on personal opinions or experiences. And third, we should never use a harsh or critical tone.
Although some of these men's comments contained truths, they generally presented a distorted image of Jehovah, which hurt Job. When we offer counsel, our aim is not to correct harshly, but to help and encourage, making it clear that Jehovah is reasonable, loving, and understanding.
ILLUSTRATION
Images of a brother lovingly counseling a brother who is upset. 1. The two are sitting at an outdoor table having refreshments. The upset brother vents his frustrations, and the other brother listens patiently. 2. The listening brother opens his Bible. 3. He lovingly shares some advice from the Bible with the other brother, who listens calmly.
When we talk to someone, 1) let's make sure we know all the facts, 2) let's use God's Word, and 3) let's express ourselves with kindness. (See paragraph 8.)
THE COUNSELS OF ELIHU
9. Why did Job continue to need help, and how did Jehovah provide it?
Although the debate with his three acquaintances was lengthy, Job remained deeply discouraged and needed both comfort and correction. The discussions were filled with anger and frustration, which did nothing to alleviate his pain.
Jehovah, in his great love, decided to help him by using Elihu. This young man waited respectfully, listened patiently, and, when he saw that it was necessary, spoke with balance and truth.
Thus, Jehovah prepared Job’s heart to receive direct correction. This shows that Jehovah knows when and how to intervene to help us, even using people we might not expect.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Job still needed help because he was very discouraged and upset by heated arguments. Jehovah helped him by using Elihu, who spoke respectfully, patiently, and truthfully, preparing Job's heart to receive correction.
10. What did Elihu do before he advised Job? (Job 33:6, 7).
Before counseling Job, Elihu took care to prepare the ground. He controlled his emotions and, although he was very upset at first, he never spoke harshly. He presented himself as an equal, not as someone superior, and assured Job that he had no reason to feel intimidated.
Furthermore, he demonstrated that he had listened attentively by accurately summarizing Job's arguments. All of this fostered an atmosphere of respect and trust. Elihu understood that for advice to be well received, one must first listen and show genuine empathy.
11. How did Elihu advise Job? (Job 33:1).
Elihu advised Job with great respect and tact. He addressed him by name and gave him the opportunity to respond, something the others had failed to do. He carefully pointed out some of Job's flawed reasoning, but always emphasized the qualities of Jehovah: His wisdom, power, justice, and love.
He neither humiliated nor attacked him, but helped him to reflect. Thanks to this balanced approach, Job was willing to accept correction directly from Jehovah. This demonstrates the great power of words spoken with love.
12. How did Jehovah use the prophets to help his people, and what could the Israelites learn from Elihu’s good example?
Jehovah used prophets like Deborah, Samuel, and many others to guide and correct his people with love and spiritual authority. Some were young, but Jehovah used them because they spoke based on his will.
By reflecting on the example of Elihu, the Israelites could learn that what matters is not age, but faithfulness and the way the message is conveyed.
The prophets did not seek to humiliate, but to strengthen spiritually. This model helped the people to accept correction with a humble spirit and to value the counsel that came from Jehovah.
13. How can we imitate Elihu's example in encouraging our brothers?
We can imitate Elihu by always basing our advice on the Bible and using words that encourage and build up. Especially when someone is upset or going through a difficult time, we should speak with kindness and patience. Instead of focusing only on what the person says wrong, we try to understand their emotional state.
Elders, in particular, should remember that tone and attitude are just as important as content. In this way, we reflect Jehovah’s compassion and help our brothers and sisters to feel understood and supported.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We imitate Elihu when we offer loving counsel, use the Bible, and seek to encourage, not criticize. In this way, we help our brothers and sisters to feel understood and supported by Jehovah.
14, 15. How can an old man imitate Elihu?
An elderly person can emulate Elihu by listening attentively and asking questions to fully understand the situation. In the case of a depressed sister, they first try to understand what is affecting her and validate her feelings.
Then he looks for positive things to encourage her, such as her effort to keep attending meetings and preaching. Finally, he uses the Bible to help her remember how much Jehovah loves her, for example, with texts like Galatians 2:20. In this way, the counsel does not feel like criticism but like a genuine expression of love and spiritual support.
LET US CONTINUE LEARNING FROM THE BOOK OF JOB
16. What should we do to continue learning from the book of Job?
To continue learning from the book of Job, we should read and review it regularly. This account not only explains why Jehovah allows suffering, but it also teaches us how to endure it and how to help others.
Before offering advice, we can ask ourselves what lessons Job teaches us about empathy, patience, and the proper use of words. If it's been a while since we last read it, we can set ourselves the goal of rereading it calmly. We will undoubtedly find that it remains as valuable today as when it was written.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What things that Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar did should we avoid when giving advice?
We shouldn't jump to conclusions, use harsh language, or rely on personal opinions. Instead, when giving advice, we should always base our decisions on the Bible.
How can we imitate Elihu when giving advice?
The best way to imitate Elihu when giving advice is to listen patiently, speak respectfully, and use God's Word to encourage.
What should we do to continue learning from the book of Job?
The Book of Job contains much wisdom that can benefit us today. Therefore, we should read and review it frequently to learn how to endure suffering and give good advice.
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