Job’s friend Bildad continues to berate Job for his integrity. He, in essence is saying what you say and how you see yourself is inconsequential. Bildad says, you are on the same level as a maggot. Imagine hearing those words from a friend? Wiersbe is right, with words like this one leaves more discouraged than when this began.
So how do you respond in situations such as this? Wiersbe offers this suggestion: “The best way to help discouraged and hurting people is to listen with your heart and not just with your ears. It’s not what they say but why they say it that is important. Let them know that you understand their pain by reflecting back to them in different words just what they say to you.” But, Bildad wants to go down in history as one who knows more. His lack of empathy is striking!
Job responds: “How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the person who has no strength!” Job is saying, your words reveal that you really have no understanding of what God is doing in this life and life to come. In addition, Job responds: “I will never declare that you three are in the right; until I die, I will not set aside my integrity! I will maintain my righteousness and never let it go;” That is powerful and shows Job’s strength in every area.
How do you respond when you hear the words of your Bildad who seek to undermine your faith? Are you strong like Job and can respond as he did?
