One of my kids got into trouble last week, and it was that kind of interesting trouble all the other kids love to talk about. Juicy trouble is everyone’s favorite kind of trouble. So his siblings talked, and he was furious at the humiliating injustice of being talked about. I overheard my husband trying to explain to him that if he had acted justly in the first place, the others would have nothing to say.
My little fella isn’t alone. We are all inclined to think that we are right and everyone else is wrong. We like our own version of justice. We are quick to condemn the faults of others and justify ourselves. But we cannot be our own standard of justice, because we are finite and fallen.
This is why it’s hard to understand the book of Job. Bildad’s perspective is more familiar than Job’s, because like Bildad, we redefine righteousness to suit our own ends and try to treat justice like karma. Want to know who has sinned? Look and see how they “got what was coming to them.” But justice isn’t karma. It’s a mistake to assume that when something good happens to us, it is because we’ve been good. When we hum along with The Sound of Music’s Fraulein Maria, saying, “Nothing comes from nothing… I must have done something good,” we are singing the same tune as Bildad.
Instead of basing our outcomes on our actions, Job points out two things. First, justice is God’s, not ours: “Even if I were in the right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy” (Job 9:15). God is the righteous one. When He acts, no one can condemn Him. No one can contend with Him. This is uncomfortable, because we like justice to be defined our way.
Second, God is sovereign. Whether things go right or seemingly wrong for us, God is still in control. Nothing happens outside of His will. “If it isn’t he, then who is it?” Job asks rhetorically (v.24). We’ve already glimpsed into the heavens at the beginning of Job, where God gives Satan permission to torment a righteous man. God’s sovereignty is uncomfortable, especially when the wicked seem to succeed and the righteous suffer.
So we struggle with questions like these: “Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?” (8:3). The clear answer is a resounding “No!” God’s thoughts are higher than ours, and His ways higher than ours, and we cannot answer or contend with Him (Isaiah 55:8–9).
Like Job, we want to know why God allows bad things to happen (Job 10:18). But there are a lot of things we don’t get to know in this life. It shouldn’t surprise us that we cannot fully comprehend the Almighty, that He doesn’t bow to our will. But there is good news: God is good, and we are safe in His care (v.12). We need not fear. When we, like children, don’t see the whole picture, we can still trust that God’s justice is good because He is good, and He cares for us.
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66 thoughts on "Bildad’s First Speech and Job’s Reply"
Reading job all I can think is “refiners fire”.
Someone else once said ‘the Peace that passed all understanding comes when I give up my right to understand’. That hit me this morning. I too struggle with anxiety and worry and depression all involved with situations that have yet to come to pass and perhaps will not. Even if they do, I have God. He is more than enough.
“God’s sovereignty is uncomfortable”. A hard truth but describes His justice so well.
Lord i trust you and seek you!
It’s a comfort to rest the sovereignty of God! It can be difficult, but so good!
It’s a comfort to rest the sovereignty of
I think that today’s devotional was very powerful. Everything resonated with me so much because I almost feel like Job right now. I am confused and angered as to why the Lord is allowing certain things to happen in my life. I know I don’t deserve so it is making me frustrated. I’m not as angry as Job is but I have definitely had my doubts these last few days. I know that in time the Lord will reveal the meaning behind this suffering. My future will be prosperous and the Lord will not give up on me. This devotional has taught me to speak my mind to God even if I am angered with him.
Tracey, I feel your pain and you are not alone. I too am an adult orphan. This is my second time reading this book and I amazing that is brings different insight each time. Prayers for you God’s mercy from heartbreak and peace for you and your family.
I have for sure wanted the answer to my why question. Why does God heal some but not others? Why didn’t He do a miracle? I’m still wrestling with God on that. And I’ll probably never know this side of heaven why He didn’t heal my parents. Next month marks 11yrs without my dad and this Monday marks 2 months without my mom. I’m in my 30s and I don’t have a lot of friends who’ve lost parents. I’m grateful they haven’t had to go through this yet. Grief is lonely. And you let go of dreams like your dad walking you down the aisle and them spoiling your kids one day. I’m choosing to believe that God’s not done, this story has beauty in it and He’s going to use this for more than I can imagine or believe. And on the days I can’t, God’s got me.
I do not have to know the purpose of everything or the exact path God is leading me. Help me to trust in you God, when my plan is not your path and it feels as though the future is scary! You are always good!
This was part of the first reading from mass today from Jeremiah chapter 17:
7“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
8He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
I have struggled with truly trusting the Lord and giving everything to him, and that has been what I have been trying to focus on during Lent. This passage has been encouraging me all day. We all suffer in some way, though it may not be as intensely as Job, but what a gift to have God always there filling us from the spring of living water.
God is good all the time!! Yes we will go through things, hard horrible things, but we have to remember that Jesus got victory over it all!!!
Timely words from over here in New Zealand, I’m reading this just after one of our darkest days as a country… so thankful we can unequivocally trust in His Sovereignty. Xx
It struck me when Job said in chapter 9 v 33 that “there is no mediator between us,” that now we have Jesus as our intercessor. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Praise God!
The first few days of this study were hard for me, reading Job seems so confusing and I can’t help but get stirred up inside thinking “how is Job still praising? How is this fair? Why did God literally allow this to happen?”. I think it resonated with me because I’ve avoided the place in my mind that recognizes that God has allowed my trials and hardships to happen. It just doesn’t seem loving. But today, reading the Romans 3 verses at the end of the devotional, something changed in my mind. I’ve never looked at the verses following 3:23 as intently as I did today and I saw them in a new light.
Not only do I sin and fall short of Gods glory (confirming why I feel I don’t deserve and shouldn’t expect be surprised when I face trials because I feel I deserve it). But the verses go on to say that we all fall short and sin… “AND are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.”
For some reason the following verses hit me more than ever before. God was reminding me that there is more to the story. He knows we can’t match up to Him, but he’s already got us covered through his gift of grace. I’m overwhelmed with this loving God that I can barely grasp the thought of. But I’m so grateful for this encouragement.
This is SO good!
I love the line “God’s sovereignty is uncomfortable.” How true! My belief about who God is so often defined by the outcome. But how much more do we truly see who God is when the outcome is not “good.” That’s when we see even more of His character! Because of the outcomes in Job’s life, God is seen as merciful, gracious, righteous, just, powerful, judge, sovereign, etc. May I look for who God is even when the outcome isn’t good (my definition). Yet He is good (His defintion) because He reveals Himself to me through those outcomes. This concept was so convicting and really challenged my thinking.
I love the past where it says ‘whether things go right or seemingly wrong for us, God is still in control. Nothing happens outside of his will.’ I keep having these ‘why?’ moments where I can’t see God’s control, sovereignty or goodness in the midst of my heartache and devastation. But when my emotions calm , I have those beautiful moments of clarity that God is good, faithful and loving even when it doesn’t feel like it. Please pray for God’s will to be done in my life and in the life of my ex. His heart is hard and he’s running from God and as a result, from me. I know God can change him. ❤️
As I read the Old Testament verses I try to evaluate how I respond to people who are hurting.
It is not easy.
I will not judge Bildad because,
I am sure similar words have poured over my lips.
So many concepts he presents I’ve thought or believed.
Job 8 & Nahum There are consequences for sin, although God is slow to anger
If you earnestly seek God, He will be found and move on your behalf.
Those who forget God will perish for the guilty will never go unpunished
God does not reject a person of integrity and,
God does not support evildoers.
In chapter 9 Job answers…
That is correct and I believe the same principles you are presenting…but,
where do I go from here?
I get Who God is; (that makes this harder)
He is WISE and ALL-POWERFUL.
EVERY part of earth obeys His call…
mountains, the sun, the heavens, the sea, the stars, wonders without number.
Even if I say something and it is pure truth and right, if He determines it differently, it is so.
Though I am destroyed, HE IS, I don’t really matter.
Yet, in chapter 10, Job tries…
I don’t get this God,
Why?
You made me, now you destroy me?
Life, faithful love, and your care have guarded my life.
Wicked or righteous, woe to me, I am filled with shame.
Why was I even born?
It seems as if your hand is against me and that only if you leave me alone, can I smile a little.
A righteous man suffered tremendous loss and excruciating pain physically,
People determine it an act of God’s judgement,
Job had lived righteously and enjoyed blessings from God’s hand,
suddenly he was living the results of the opposite of that
and he doesn’t understand why, only knows that even if he doesn’t deserve it,
God is still God and may do whatever He choses.
Then New Testament, Romans
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (us)
Like Job, I don’t really matter.
God is God and may do whatever He choses.
NOT because of me but, because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice,
through redemptive faith we are made righteous
May I rest there…in Jesus righteous alone.
Thank you God for your restraint,
thank you for your great love,
thank You.
God is good such a simple reminder but well needed
And I love the pairing of Romans 3:26 here. We can only receive right standing before God through faith in Jesus.
Love love
This read is coming during the perfect time (thank you Father) as I endure an uncomfortable season. I may not like it, but I know God is holding my hand through it. He may not take it away, but he will walk through it with me and I will walk away from it stronger. Never forget- we will have struggles, but we’re never alone.
Yes! So good.
Trust God, no matter the circumstances!
Things do not always go as God wants them. The sooner we embrace the mystery and the miracle that God is with us in the mystery, the sooner we can live in His peace.
God is sovereign – He is still in control. God is good – I am safe in His care. Nothing that comes into my life surprises Him. And nothing changes Him. I can – and must – rest completely in Him
What a wonderful read today – I received a message that I needed to hear as I am going through a pretty significant health issues that has turned my “normal” completely upside down. God does not come to us with the attitude that if we are good, only good things will happen to us and if we are bad we will be punished. I know that bad things do happen to good people. Through today’s reading I took away the fact that my current suffering may not be for me at all. God may be using it for someone else, for some other situation, for something that I may never see. He knows the entire picture and I only see a small portion of it. That give me a whole lot of peace, comfort, hope and determination to get through what I am going through. Even in the difficult times it will all be for the glory of God.
Praying for you, Denise.
Glory to God! What an awesome read today. I especially loved the last sentence “When we, like children, don’t see the whole picture, we can still trust that God`s justice is good because He is good, and He cares for us.” What a blessing it is. Lord I truly love and trust in your plan. I know that times are hard right now but I am holding on to your word and your plan.
@BeckyFree I know it’s hard but if you read the story of Job it’s actually true. He allows these things to happen and yes we do have free will but I would take it a step further and say God allows these things because He is sovereign and He Alone is Good! He is All powerful and All knowing and way bigger than just a loving feel good God! He controls ALL things Good and Bad. He does these things to show us Who He is. That way He is the one who receives ALL glory and honor and we see why He is worthy to receive all of praise honor and glory! It’s ok to ask why especially in Jobs situation but God saw that Job was righteous and tested his faith to show just how powerful He(God) was and is. Also further on Job learns patience which is huge in the midst of this whole story and it further shows what God does thru the suffering he allows Job to go thru. It really is a paradigm shift when you think about Gods love being shown thru pain but it really is true!
I really resonated with the cry of Job’s heart. Why? Why couldn’t you have just let me die? I can remember asking the same kinds of questions as we were facing the loss of our twin babies. My second miscarriage. Why did you even let me get pregnant God? Why do I have to go through this again? But it was a real turning point in my faith—the scripture I clung to then was “but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” No matter what You are God and we choose to serve you. I see that same recognition in Job. Our darling girl who was born after those great losses is in high school now and is such a joy. We have faced many more seemingly unfair events in these past 15 years but that foundational faith that was solidified in grief has held strong.
It’s hard for me to believe that my God’s will is for me to suffer. I have free will and I make the mistakes that bring pain and suffering, even just by being a sinner! But I can’t believe it’s His will that I am hurt- or have pain. That’s the enemy, that’s sin, that’s my mistakes. His will is for me to be more like Jesus, and to experience love, joy and peace.
It helps me to think that Job had ZERO clue that we would still be reading his story thousands of years later. Would that have given him the Divine perspective? To see that his story was meant for our greater good. That God didn’t hide the dingy side of the Bible, but included ALL aspects of life-the good, bad, and ugly. Depression, anxiety, and sorrow. If the Bible was rainbows and ponies, it would mock the very real pain we all experience. It gives me a small glimpse into this Divine History, “His-Story”, that all of us get to be a part of.
Soooo soooo good
God is good. And I am safe in His care. These words gave me such comfort this morning. Exactly what I needed to hear. And in the midst of these uncomfortable situations I’ve been through my God continues to be good and faithful. I’ve seen this over and over. He remains faithful. I’m facing another hard thing tomorrow morning. Your prayers are so appreciated 11 AM tomorrow.
I was most struck this morning by Job’s words about not being able to wash himself clean permanently (even with snow) and there not being a mediator between him and God because God is not man. He is terrified of His wrath and cannot speak to Him boldly. (Job 9:30-35)
What a clear picture of our need for Christ! In Hebrews 2:9-18, it describes Jesus fulfilling these exact needs: He had to be made like His brothers in every respect -becoming man-that He might become our perfect Mediator to atone for our sins and satisfy God’s wrath. Then we can “approach the throne of grace boldly with confidence to find mercy, grace, and help in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Thank you Lord!!
He is just and justifier. So thankful!
It’s so convicting to realize my own twisted sense of justice. I have been so impatient with my fiancé this week…I’ve been ashamed at the attitude I’ve given him several times. Yet my heart wants to believe that I’m justified as I try to keep score and hold over him whatever I can find. But this is not fair or justice. I am so glad that I am justified by His grace as a gift, and that He is sanctifying me daily!
Dear Cayley, I can totally relate, and I didn’t even realise I have been doing till you expressed yourself. I have a tendency to keep score with my husband too, poor guy. Thanks for bringing this to light!
Struggling today with some hard things. Realities that came to light in my life yesterday that honestly just don’t seem “fair”. I didn’t do anything to deserve it to be my reality and I’ve been struggling with questions as to “why” when I feel like I’ve been so faithful and obedient. These verses and words were needed today. God is in control of all and fair isn’t what he has promised. Still, I am in his hands.
My sisters! Life has been so crappy lately- a work thing (like a big work thing involving a trademark lawsuit) by someone who I used to call a friend and this was just so helpful to read. But also to remind me that talking about it is only going to spread the stress and the hate- I only need talk to God. (He’s guarding me.) Thanks for being here, fam.
This is an interesting week for this lesson. The cheating scandal of rich people buying their children’s admission to college is a graphic example. It is tempting to sit back with crossed arms and tut tut at the rich getting what they deserve. It is a very public humiliation for them and their families. Rather than to pile on and feel self righteous I am reminded that we all sin and fall short. They are just an example of how we must treat others who are shamed and suffering. God is full of grace and mercy and we must be the same.
Bessie, thank you for this reminder!
Wow… thank you, Bessie. You’re absolutely right
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The speeches from Job’s friends show just how important it is to know, respect, love and value other people when they are suffering. The rush to apportion blame and provide a solution is indicative not only of their own discomfort at seeing suffering, but also their lack of genuine respect and value for Job – they simply thought he wasn’t good enough. Bildad’s words cut like a knife in their cruelty and the hope he offered might have been true (we CAN hope in God) but it totally bypassed the pain and lament Job was experiencing.
When my family were experiencing deep trauma, a very dear friend told me that he and others in our community were “holding hope for us until we were able to hold it again ourselves”. It brought to mind the image of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms until the battle was done – they didn’t condemn him that his strength was gone – they simply sat with him and held on for him.
THAT is what friends do – that is what we are called to do when our friends are suffering – not to condemn, not to deny God either, simply to sit and hold hope for them until they are once again able to themselves.
Beautiful! ♥️
Amen.
God has a purpose and a plan that goes beyond my life and I’m not given access to all that information. So, I have a choice. I can choose to believe that God is good. All. The. Time. But, in doing this I have to admit that there are things I will never understand this side of heaven; things I can’t reconcile in my humanness. Releasing my need to know leads to God’s peace.
Phil. 4:7 says, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” A friend of mine said, “The peace that passes understanding only happens when I give up my right to understand.”
❤️
Yes Kathy, your response is so my heart!
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I love this! Thank you for sharing
I am currently preparing a lesson on irony for my 8th graders. I am seeking to show them that the perspective of the characters and the reader can be different from what is really happening. And here, I am reminded that my perspective of God’s justice and the reality of God’s justice is different. My very idea of trying to control God by applying my own human understanding to him is the ultimate irony. He is too great to confine to the limits of my understanding yet I try to explain, predict, and justify His “acts.” As I know him more, I need to confess that He is greater than my understanding, so it comes down to faith. I will trust in the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind, and lean not on my own understanding.
I was just listening to this interview with Lysa Terkhuerst. She has been through so much. However, she said that God is Good. He is Good at being God, and He is good to me. (Hopefully, I’m saying her words correctly.) I’ve been through so much too, but I agree with the response above. Changing perspective can help. I wouldn’t have chosen to go through those things, but I would not be the same today. In fact, the death of my daughter brought me to hear the Gospel. I will be reunited with her one day. When she passed I was heartbroken and felt like my dreams died. I thought of all the things that she would never get to do like go a prom or get married. It took a while, but then I realized, she was with Jesus in Heaven. She would never go through the pain felt in this life. She is in paradise. I was listening to KLove and heard the song, Scars. It made me think of how her passing lead me to salvation. That’s just one of the events of my life that wasn’t expected. I’ve seen God help me through them all. Here is the link to the interview and the song: https://youtu.be/epbiFUfmSRk
https://youtu.be/OqjGT9BSyJA
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Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing that, Kristen. I totally agree with you. My mom was killed in a car wreck when I was seven years old. It’s easy to sit around and think what things would be like if she had lived. But, I also stop and think I am who I am because of what I have gone through. God has used the hard parts of my life to make me the person I am today. Thanks for reminding me of this today!!❤️
Do you remember where you heard the interview?
I am so sorry for your broken heart.
I am so glad you found the Lord.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
I am currently preparing a lesson on irony for my 8th graders. I am seeking to show them that the perspective of the characters and the reader are different from what is really happening. And here, I am reminded that my perspective of God’s justice and the reality of God’s justice is different.
The reminder that God is good and just is comforting. Especially when dealing with suffering, it is great to remember that this time is temporary. What I’m going through will not last forever, and if it does how great is it that God thinks so highly of me to bare the suffering. Changing our outlook/mindset can help us to suffer less. It will still be a difficult time but at least we won’t have the burden of feeling like God doesn’t love us or has forgotten about us.
Oh Rebecca, so true! God is sovereign and His ways are unfathomable to us. Our mortal minds just cannot grasp all that God is doing, nor the method or timing or outcomes of all that He permits. That’s why it’s called faith. We know His nature though to be always good and therein lies our confidence, our hope. In the dark nights of the soul, we trust His goodness will prevail. He cannot be any other.
Amen. Thank you, Churchmouse.