Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“Now, Job, hear my words, please” (JOB 33:1).
1, 2. In what difficult situation are Elihu and Job's three acquaintances?
Throughout the region, the news spreads like wildfire: Job, a very rich and famous man, has lost everything. When three of his acquaintances—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—hear, they decide to travel to Uz to comfort him. But what they find upon arrival leaves them shocked.
2 Imagine the scene. Job has been left with practically nothing. All his camels, sheep, cows, and donkeys have died or been stolen. Almost all his servants have also been murdered, and all of Job's children perished when the house they were in collapsed on them. As if this were not enough, Job is very ill and his body is covered with painful sores. As they approach, the three men see him sitting among some ashes, utterly desolate. How do they react? They sit beside this man who is suffering so much and remain completely silent for seven whole days, without saying a single word to him (Job 2:12, 13). At some point, a young man named Elihu arrives and sits nearby. Finally, Job breaks his silence to curse the day of his birth and wish for death (Job 3:1-3, 11). Clearly, he needs the support of his friends. What will these men do in this difficult situation? Their words and actions will show whether they are truly his friends and care about him.Let's see.
3. What are we going to see in this article?
3 Jehovah had Moses write down what Job’s three acquaintances and Elihu did and said. Elihu’s words were inspired by Jehovah, but interestingly, some of Eliphaz’s words appear to have been inspired by an evil spirit (Job 4:12-16; 33:24, 25). This explains why the book of Job contains some of the best advice in history, but also some of the worst. In this article, we'll see how this story can help us when we need to give advice to someone. First, we'll analyze the bad example of Job's three acquaintances and then the good example of Elihu. In each case, we'll see how the Israelites benefited and how we can benefit today.
THE COUNCILS OF ELIFAZ, BILDAD, AND ZOFAR
4. Why were Job's three acquaintances unable to comfort him? (See also the picture.)
4 The Bible says that when Job’s three acquaintances heard about all his misfortunes, “they decided to go together to share Job’s pain and comfort him” (Job 2:11). But there are at least three reasons why they failed to do so. First, they jumped to conclusions. For example, they mistakenly assumed that God was punishing Job for some sin. (Job 4:7; 11:14). Second, much of their advice was unhelpful, insensitive, and even hurtful. For example, all three of them at some point said things to him that sounded good but were empty (Job 13:12). Bildad was very inconsiderate and told him that he talked too much (Job 8:2). And Zophar had the nerve to call him a “blockhead” in a derogatory way. (Job 11:12). Third, although they may not have shouted at him, they often spoke to him with an air of superiority and in a condescending, sarcastic, and condemnatory tone (Job 15:7-11). Ultimately, what these men sought was not to comfort Job or strengthen his faith, but to prove him wrong.
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?
5 It's no wonder that the advice these three men gave Job didn't work out well. In fact, it made him feel crushed. (Job 19:2). It's also understandable that he felt the need to defend his reputation, and that this led him to lose his balance and say inappropriate things. (Job 6:3, 26). Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar expressed ideas that did not reflect God's viewpoint and treated Job without compassion. In doing so, they unwittingly became tools in Satan's hands. (Job 2:4, 6). How could the Israelites benefit from this account, and how can we benefit?
6. What might the elders of Israel have learned from the bad example of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar?
Possible benefits for the Israelites. When the nation of Israel was formed, Jehovah chose certain experienced men to judge the nation according to his righteous standards (Deut. 1:15-18; 27:1). These judges or elders had to listen very carefully before giving advice or passing judgment (2 Chron. 19:6). They also had to thoroughly investigate matters and ask questions without assuming they already knew all the facts. (Deut. 19:18). When someone came to them for help, they had to speak to them kindly, not harshly. Why? Because if they made the person feel like a burden, they wouldn't dare open their heart to them. (Ex. 22:22-24). What good lessons the story of Job could teach the elders of Israel!
7. Besides the elders, who in Israel could advise others, and what could they learn from the account of Job? (Proverbs 27:9).
7 Of course, those elders were not the only ones who could give advice in Israel. In fact, anyone—young or old, male or female—could give advice to someone who needed it to draw closer to Jehovah or to correct some aspect of their conduct. (Psalm 141:5). That is what is expected of a true friend (read Proverbs 27:9). By reflecting on the bad example of Job's three acquaintances, the Israelites could learn what not to say or do when advising others.
8. What mistakes should we avoid when giving advice? (See also the images).
Potential benefits for us. Naturally, when our brothers and sisters go through difficult times, we want to help them. However, we must not fall into the same errors as the three acquaintances of Job. First, before saying anything we need to make sure we know all the facts, and not jump to conclusions. Second, we must always base our decisions on the truth of God's Word and not on our own opinion or experience, as Eliphaz often did. (Job 4:8; 5:3, 27). And third, we must never use a harsh or critical tone. Let us remember that Eliphaz and his associates did say some things that were true; in fact, the apostle Paul quoted some of their words under inspiration. (Compare Job 5:13 with 1 Corinthians 3:19). However, most of what they claimed about God was a lie and hurt Job, so Jehovah said that they had not told the truth (Job 42:7, 8). When giving advice, we should never imply to the person that Jehovah is unreasonable or that it is impossible for him to love them. Let us now see what we can learn from the example of Elihu.
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?
9 The debate between Job and his three supposed friends was so long that their words fill 28 chapters of the Bible. And tempers must have been running high, because most of the time they were driven by anger and frustration. No wonder Job continued to feel very discouraged and in need of comfort and correction. What did Jehovah do to help him? He used Elihu to advise him. But why did Elihu wait so long to intervene? He explained: “I am young and you are old men. So I kept silent out of respect.” (Job 32:6, 7) He was aware that, generally, older people possess the wisdom that comes with age and experience. But after patiently listening to Job and his acquaintances, Elihu decided that he could no longer remain silent. So he said: “Age itself does not make a person wise, nor are only old men the ones who understand what is right.” (Job 32:9) Let us see what he said next and how he said it.
10. What did Elihu do before he advised Job? (Job 33:6, 7).
10 Before advising Job, Elihu made sure to calm the situation and prepare the ground. How? First, by controlling his own emotions. After all, the Bible says that at first he was very angry. (Job 32:2-5). But then at no point did he speak to her in a harsh or cruel tone, but on the contrary, with kindness and affection. For example, he told him: “Look, to the true God, I am just like you” (read Job 33:6, 7). Then he summarized the main points of six of Job’s speeches, thus making it clear that he had been paying close attention to him (Job 32:11; 33:8-11). And he did the same thing again when he later gave him further advice (Job 34:5, 6, 9; 35:1-4).
11. How did Elihu advise Job? (Job 33:1).
11 When Elihu began to counsel Job, he did so with great respect and without humiliating him. For example, he addressed him by name, something the other three apparently did not do. (it is Job 33:1). Moreover, he very kindly offered him the opportunity to respond, for he surely remembered that he himself had wanted to intervene on several occasions while Job and his acquaintances were speaking. (Job 32:4; 33:32). He also warned him to be careful with some of his arguments and reminded him that Jehovah is very wise, powerful, just, loyal, and loving. (Job 36:18, 21-26; 37:23, 24). No doubt, Elihu’s kind words made Job willing to receive further correction, now directly from Jehovah (Job 38:1-3). How could the Israelites benefit from Elihu’s example, and how can we benefit?
12. How did Jehovah use the prophets to help his people, and what could the Israelites learn from Elihu’s good example?
12 Possible benefits for the Israelites. Throughout Israel's history, Jehovah often appointed prophets to teach his purpose and correct the Israelites. For example, during the period of the Judges, he used the prophetess Deborah and Samuel—even at a very young age—to give guidance and instructions to the nation. (Judg. 4:4-7; 5:7; 1 Sam. 3:19, 20). And, during the period of the kings, he sent prophet after prophet to spiritually strengthen the people and correct those who strayed from pure worship. (2 Sam. 12:1-4; Acts 3:24). By reflecting on Elihu's good example, faithful men and women could learn what they should say and do when correcting and counseling others.
13. How can we imitate Elihu's example in encouraging our brothers?
13 Possible benefits for us. Like Elihu and the prophets of Israel, Christians proclaim God's will and base their teachings on the Bible. Furthermore, when offering counsel to our brothers and sisters, we use words that encourage and edify them. (1 Cor. 14:3). The elderly, in particular, must always remember the importance of speaking in a loving and comforting way to all brothers and sisters, even those who are upset or tend to say things without thinking when going through difficult times. (Job 6:3; 1 Tes. 5:14).
14, 15. How can an old man imitate Elihu?
14 Let's imagine this situation. In a congregation, an elder learns that a certain sister is depressed, so he decides to visit her along with another brother to encourage her. During the visit, the sister expresses some negative emotions. She says that although she attends meetings and goes out in the ministry, she doesn't feel happy. How should an elder react in a situation like this?
15 First, she will try to better understand the situation and the reasons for her sadness. To do this, she will need to ask questions and listen carefully. Does the sister think she doesn't deserve God's love? Does she perhaps feel overwhelmed by "life's worries"? (Luc. 21:34). Second, the elder will look for positive things to encourage her about. For example, he might commend her for attending meetings and preaching despite being depressed. And finally, once you have a complete picture of what is happening to your sister and why she feels discouraged, you can use the Bible to help convince her that Jehovah loves her. (Gal. 2:20).
LET US CONTINUE LEARNING FROM THE BOOK OF JOB
16. What should we do to continue learning from the book of Job?
16 How much we have learned from analyzing the book of Job! In the previous article, we saw that it teaches us not only why God allows suffering, but also how we can endure it. And in this one, we have seen that we can give good advice if we avoid the bad example of Job's three acquaintances and follow the good example of Elihu. The next time we need to give someone advice, how about we review the lessons this story teaches us? And if it's been a while since we've had the pleasure of reading it, let's make it a goal to do so again. We will surely find that the wonderful book of Job 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?
First, we must avoid jumping to conclusions. For example, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar mistakenly assumed that God was punishing Job for some sin.
Second, we must avoid giving advice that is unhelpful, insensitive, or even hurtful. For example, at one point, the three of them said things that sounded good, but were actually empty.
Third, we must avoid raising our voices or speaking with an air of superiority and in a condescending, sarcastic, or condemnatory tone. Ultimately, what these men sought was not to comfort Job or strengthen his faith, but to prove him wrong.
How can we imitate Elihu when giving advice?
We can emulate Elihu when, before advising someone, we make sure to calm the atmosphere and prepare the ground, controlling our emotions. We should never speak in a harsh or cruel tone, but rather with kindness and affection.
What should we do to continue learning from the book of Job?
To give good advice, we must avoid the bad example of Job's three acquaintances and emulate the good example of Elihu. If we need to advise someone, we can review the lessons this story teaches us. And if we haven't read it in a long time, let's make it a goal to reread it. In this way, we will see that the wonderful book of Job remains as valuable today as when it was written.
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