Job 6: God-Talk

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Job.

"With friends like these, who needs enemies!" might well be Job's heart-cry, and sometimes our own. Even our worst experiences of friendship do not quench our desire for soul friends, people who will walk with us through life's hardest moments and who will point us to God without preaching at us or judging our spirituality. Most of us are lonely, as was our Old Testament hero. "Job's comforters," the cynical title given to Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar—and later the young man Elihu—didn't help his situation.

Warming Up to God

Reflect on the friend who has been most encouraging in your spiritual journey. Use single words to characterize your relationship with that person.

Read Job 6

Discovering the Word

• Instead of responding to Eliphaz's accusation that his suffering was a result of his sin or his children's sin, Job explores his problem on a deeper level. For what new reason does he want God to end it all (v. 10)?
• What word pictures does Job use to describe his friends (vv. 15-21)?
• What reason does Job see underlying his friends' failure to minister to him (v. 21)?
• What does Job need from his friends in this time of suffering?
• How could his friends have confidence in Job's integrity (v. 29) even though they have no explanation for his problem except God's discipline?

Applying the Word

• Look at verse 14. Is it always right to maintain a friendship even if your friend "loses" faith or goes through a period of rebellion?
• Later Job will comment, "Men at ease have contempt for misfortune" (12:5). What would enable you to be of help to others in the pit of despair even though you are doing fine yourself?

Responding in Prayer

Reflect on the friends God has given you, and thank him for their gifts. Ask him to teach you to be a faithful friend.