Elihu, Bildad and Zophar came to Job at least a full week prior to this passage with the intent purpose of offering sympathy and comfort. They sat together for seven days and seven nights before anybody said anything.
When Bildad speaks, the words that might have comforted Job are lost. Bildad completely mischaracterizes God. He accuses Job's children of getting what they deserve - the penalty of their sin. He implies that Job is neither pure, nor upright.
Job is mourning his losses: 10 children, multiple business ventures and the related servants and employees, his own health and the support of his wife. At this point, he may well be grieving friendships, too. His agony is unfathomable.
These friends comforted Job more when they were silent. In a short time, they have moved to being no comfort at all. Job will continue to find comfort from God, and before Job's story is over, his Comforter tells them they are wrong. What a blessing for Job to hear these words!
When our hurts are deep and nobody understands, God knows us, loves us and is with us.
