This chapter introduces us to Bildad, the second friend to speak. Similar to Eliphaz, he has some wisdom, but also incorrect conclusions about Job and his circumstances.
” ‘How long will you say such things? Your words are a blustering wind. Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? When your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin. But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state. Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.’ ” (v2-7,20-21)
Bildad assumes that Job is not pure and upright, and he accuses Job of using words that are a “blustering wind” (loud/chaotic/fruitless). Yet, he speaks some words of wisdom, and his words concerning Job’s future blessing end up being prophetic.
Bildad speaks a lot of truth about God lifting up the pure and humble, God punishing the wicked, and the brevity of human life. We know from later passages in scripture that God humbles the proud and exalts the humble (Lk 14:11), and we hear more passages using grass/flowers as metaphors for the brevity of human life (eg. Jas 1:10-11).
Indirectly, Bildad builds a great case for researching and choosing one’s words carefully. He not only condemns “blustering words”, he shows that he himself is uninformed on some of the matters on which he speaks (Job’s purity, and his Job’s children’s purity).
Scripture reminds us to choose and use our words carefully: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Eph 4:29) “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” (Pro 15:28) “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” (Pro 17:27-28)
My encouragement for today is to be comfortable with remaining silent when we don’t have uplifting or encouraging words to speak. “Small talk” / amoral talk / neutral talk is okay – it often helps maintain communication and build relationship (eg. the weather, sports, pets, etc). The only talk we should really avoid is anything that tears anyone down, or is derogatory in nature (eg. gossip, slander, politic bashing, etc.). That doesn’t mean we can never have a conflicting point of view, it just means we can disagree with someone without insulting or slandering them.
Father God, Almighty Lord and King, we ask for Your hand of forgiveness to be upon us. We have sinned against You, and others by the words that we have spoken without regard. We have hurt others, for which we are truly sorry. Please set a guard over our mouths, Lord, and keep watch over the doors of our lips (Psa 141:3). Thank you for the gift of the Spirit, and the fruit that He bears within us, which will help us to love our neighbors. In the holy name of Jesus we ask this, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training