Eliphaz joined two of his friends and together, they came to console Job. After many days and nights of silence, save the sound of Job scraping his boils with pottery, they begin to speak. Eliphaz is the first friend to address Job. Verses 3-4 are truth, as Eliphaz lists the things Job is known for in their community. What an encouragement with which to begin! But then, he completely misses his goal - of providing sympathy and comfort (Job 2:11). He turns on Job in verses 7-9 of today's passage, blaming Job's losses on Job himself!
Job has already suffered much, and he still has much to endure. Ultimately though, Job's readers and Job himself know that he has done nothing to deserve these troubles. His innocence is eventually proclaimed by God.
As comforters of people who are discouraged and hurting, we need to hold out truth, especially God's TRUTH.
Janelle Walsh, Clovis, N.M.
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