King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Wednesday, January 07, 2026
Chapters: Job 8-12
Message: Job: Bildad Confronts Job
Hello My Friend,
I started my first day working out in the field yesterday, only to have it abruptly end when I became extremely ill. As soon as I got home, I began crying out to God, asking why this was happening and what I had done to deserve it. When we are constantly bombarded with one hardship after another, it is logical to wonder if we truly did something to anger God. When we have no explanation, it becomes very easy to withdraw. However, we need to understand that suffering is not always a sign of God’s displeasure. Sometimes it is simply a reset of what truly matters, [Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.]
As we continue in the reading of Job, several days have passed since Job’s friends decided to give him a so‑called “pep” talk about his situation. He is covered in boils, wrapped like a mummy, and mourning the loss of his children, not to mention nearly everything he once owned. Instead of offering comfort and encouragement, they did the opposite. Their words pushed Job to the point where he wished that God would simply take him and bring his suffering to an end. We first heard from Eliphaz, who accused Job of presenting a false image of righteousness. Now Bildad speaks, essentially telling Job that he is deceiving himself. Rather than lifting him up, these men added weight to his grief and deepened his despair.
[Job 8:1-6 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, 2 How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind? 3 Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice? 4 If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression; 5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; 6 If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.]
Not only does Bildad err in assuming that Job is lying, he also suggests that God sleeps. There are three common myths about God that many people need to reconsider. First, God does not sleep. He may withdraw Himself from those who persist in sin, but He is always attentive to sincere and humble prayers. Second, God does not cast away His children. His grip on His people is secure and unchanging. Third, God does not guarantee financial prosperity based on how “good” we are. Prosperity does not always come in the form of financial abundance; sometimes it appears in spiritual strength, peace, endurance, or wisdom, [Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.]
Now, Bildad did have some truth in his words. If we are living in sin, we can expect God to bring chastening, and repentance would indeed be the wisest response. However, what he failed to understand is that living righteously does not guarantee a life free from hardship. Faithfulness does not exempt anyone from suffering. Bildad then goes on to urge Job to stop and consider what happened to those in earlier generations who forgot God. His implication is that Job must be experiencing the same kind of judgment, yet he overlooks the reality that suffering is not always the result of personal sin. In doing so, he adds to Job’s burden rather than offering comfort or understanding.
[Job 8:11-15,21-22 Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water? 12 Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. 13 So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish: 14 Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web. 15 He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure. 21 Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing. 22 They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.]
Bildad is suggesting that if Job truly were as perfect, sincere, and upright as he appeared to be, then God would not cast him away as He seems to be doing. Instead, God would help him out of his present suffering. At this point, Job does not know how to respond. He genuinely believes that God is at odds with him. He does not want explanations from his friends; he wants answers from God Himself. Job longs to understand why God appears to be fighting against him and why his life has been overwhelmed with such intense sorrow.
[Job 9:1-4,11-12,15-17 Then Job answered and said, 2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? 3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. 4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? 11 Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not. 12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? 15 Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge. 16 If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice. 17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.]
Are we going to question God for every difficult thing that happens to us? We do need to understand that it is acceptable to bring our questions to God and even to send our complaints up to Him. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that we can take our concerns, frustrations, and burdens directly to God, and He will answer us. His response may not come in the way we expect, and it may not come in the timing we desire, but He hears us, and He responds according to His wisdom and His purpose, [1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.]
Job may not have understood why he was experiencing such intense suffering, but he did understand that he had only one true Judge, and that Judge was God. He goes on to explain that he is not attempting to justify himself. If he tried to do that, he would only end up condemning himself and proving himself to be a hypocrite. Job recognizes that self‑justification would not bring him closer to the truth; only God’s judgment and God’s explanation could.
[Job 9:20-22,32-35 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. 21 Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. 22 This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. 32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. 33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. 34 Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me: 35 Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.]
Job knew that he was not perfect, that he sinned like everyone else, but he also came to understand that both good and bad things happen to all people, whether they are just or unjust. Therefore, who were his friends to question why he was suffering as a righteous man? What Job longed for was someone who truly knew him and who could speak to God on his behalf. However we have a daysman, a middleman, who places His hands upon both God and the believer, and that is His Son, Jesus Christ. It is Jesus who intercedes for us with perfect understanding and perfect righteousness. [Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.]
Job felt as though he had no one to talk to. He was frightened by what was happening to him, and he was equally afraid of what the answer might be if he asked why. At this point, I imagine Job lifting his eyes toward the heavens, because he begins to speak out the very words he would say to God if he had the opportunity to stand before Him one on one.
[Job 10:1-3,7-9 My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me. 3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked? 7 Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand. 8 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. 9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?]
In other words, Job is saying, “God, You know the way that I take. You are the One who created me, so why am I suffering?” I cannot count how many times I have asked God similar questions: “Why did You bring me here, or why did You make me this way when You knew this would happen?” Only later did I realize that what felt confusing or painful at the time was actually one of the best things that could have happened to me. Job had absolutely no understanding of what he might have done so terribly wrong that all of this had come upon him. In his mind, something significant must have happened for God to be at odds with him. He was searching for answers, trying to make sense of suffering that did not seem to match his life or his character.
[Job 10:12-15,19-21 Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. 13 And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee. 14 If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity. 15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction; 19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. 20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, 21 Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;]
I can recall a time or two when I have gone to God and reminded Him of all the good that I have done and of the things I have forsaken for His sake. I was also quick to acknowledge that I knew I was a sinner. And then, of course, comes the self‑pity that follows close behind. When we do not understand what is happening, all we can do is trust that God has a purpose behind the pain. His plans are often hidden from us in the moment, but they are never without meaning, [II Timothy 1:8-9 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,]
The problem often comes when we all have this picture in our heads of what God’s purpose is, but it usually is the complete opposite of what we imagined. Of course, that does not stop people from trying to help us out. Now, we have another one of Job’s friends listening to all this, Zophar, and he no different than the others, he not only calls Job a liar, he goes on to tell him that his punishment is not enough.
[Job 11:1-6 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, 2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? 3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? 4 For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. 5 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; 6 And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.]
Zophar suggests that Job’s sin is even worse than they originally believed, simply because Job attempted to justify himself. Zophar does not stop at calling Job a liar; he goes so far as to claim that everything Job has ever done was empty and worthless, and that God is showing him more mercy than he deserves. If he bothered to pay attention to what Job was saying and if he were as wise as he thought he was about God he would know that God is more merciful on all of us than we deserve, [Psalms 103:8-9 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.]
After making these harsh accusations, Zophar continues by offering more unsolicited advice, telling Job how he can supposedly get right with God and regain His blessings.
[Job 11:10-14,19-20 If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him? 11 For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it? 12 For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt. 13 If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; 14 If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. 19 Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee. 20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.]
Notice that Zophar is suggesting that if Job is speaking about wanting to die, then he must be guilty. This is yet another false accusation and says nothing about a person who is simply seeking God’s merciful hand. True believers do not justify themselves; they are justified through their faith, whether they lived before or after Christ came to earth, [Romans 3:20-22 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:]
At this point, Job was beside himself. These men were not more righteous than he was, so who were they to accuse him? Their confidence in their own assumptions only deepened his confusion and pain. In the end, their words revealed far more about their misunderstanding of God than they did about Job’s character.
[Job 12:1-4,7-10 And Job answered and said, 2 No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. 3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these? 4 I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn. 7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? 10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.]
Job has a valid point. The animals go about their day without questioning God, trusting the order He has established for them. Yet we, who have been given far greater understanding, are often the first to question what His hand has allowed. Job reminds us that if creation itself rests under God’s authority without protest, then we, too, should learn to trust His wisdom even when we do not understand His ways, [Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.]
I can recall a time when I felt so low that I convinced myself no one would even notice or care if I were gone. It was not long after that when God had to remind me, to stop being so dramatic and to pull myself out of that mindset. We do both ourselves and God a disservice when we walk around in self‑pity. As Job continues speaking, he begins to realize something important. God is in control. Job may have had no understanding of what was happening or why, but he did know that God’s hand was in it. Even in confusion, even in pain, he recognized that nothing touched his life without passing through the wisdom and sovereignty of God.
[Job 12:14-17,23-25 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. 15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth. 16 With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his. 17 He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools. 23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. 24 He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. 25 They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.]
Now, the one thing that Job did not realize was that God allowed the affliction in order to draw him into deeper trust and to bring him to call out to Him. I imagine that if Job had simply poured out his heart to God, rather than trying to defend himself before Him, he might not have had to endure his suffering for as long as he did. We often increase our own pain because, instead of going to God as we ought, we complain and wrestle within ourselves. However, we can find peace in every affliction when we keep our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus. He steadies us when everything else feels uncertain, and He reminds us that no suffering is wasted when it is placed in His hands.
[Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.]
Today’s Prayer: God, It is not always easy dealing with situations that bring us suffering, and critical people do not help either. I thank You for always watching over me and protecting me, even when I do not come to You with everything, and I thank You for loving me and not giving up on me. Your hand never lets go of me, You are my only peace and comfort when nothing makes sense. You truly are my friend that sticks closer than a brother. Lord, lead me and guide me, let me live a life that is pleasing to You and be the example so many need to find Your Son. When others criticize and mock me, give me the strength and wisdom to stand my ground and not be ashamed to profess my Jesus to them. I love You and ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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