Hunting for Words
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: “How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and then we will speak. Why are we counted as cattle? Why are we stupid in your sight? You who tear yourself in your anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you, or the rock be removed out of its place?
Job 18:1-4
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Hunting for Words
Bildad once again speaks to Job in a condescending way. He has the audacity to accuse Job of speaking recklessly to him. Bildad turns the suffering of Job around upon himself and acts as though Job’s response was as grievous to Bildad as Job’s afflictions are to him. He says Job is speaking harshly, that is “hunting for words” and is not being thoughtful in his response. As if after losing everything you have including your children, one should be reserved and thoughtful in their responses. Especially responses from the likes of Job’s friends which only bring blame and ridicule. We would be wise to remember Bildad when we have dealings with others who are hurting. Though we often mean well, we have the tendency to offer criticism in the form of advice. We give Law so often when the Gospel is needed. Because we are uncomfortable not being able to say something we say anything. The truth is we don’t always have the right words to make every situation better. Sometimes there are not words we can speak to give relief. So when we don’t have the right words we turn to God’s Word. It brings comfort, healing, and relief to the troubled soul. God’s Word, the Word, is the cure for the soul. In Christ we learn to love others as He loves us. In Christ we do not have a distant God unable to know our suffering, for “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4a). It is in Christ where we give and receive comfort.
Job 18:1-4
+
Hunting for Words
Bildad once again speaks to Job in a condescending way. He has the audacity to accuse Job of speaking recklessly to him. Bildad turns the suffering of Job around upon himself and acts as though Job’s response was as grievous to Bildad as Job’s afflictions are to him. He says Job is speaking harshly, that is “hunting for words” and is not being thoughtful in his response. As if after losing everything you have including your children, one should be reserved and thoughtful in their responses. Especially responses from the likes of Job’s friends which only bring blame and ridicule. We would be wise to remember Bildad when we have dealings with others who are hurting. Though we often mean well, we have the tendency to offer criticism in the form of advice. We give Law so often when the Gospel is needed. Because we are uncomfortable not being able to say something we say anything. The truth is we don’t always have the right words to make every situation better. Sometimes there are not words we can speak to give relief. So when we don’t have the right words we turn to God’s Word. It brings comfort, healing, and relief to the troubled soul. God’s Word, the Word, is the cure for the soul. In Christ we learn to love others as He loves us. In Christ we do not have a distant God unable to know our suffering, for “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4a). It is in Christ where we give and receive comfort.
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