IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - The Comforters Who Failed

Three men who knew Job-the record describes them as companions, or acquaintances-heard of his troubles and traveled to visit him and offer comfort.  When they saw him from a distance, he was unrecognizable.  Racked with pain, his skin blackened with disease, he was barely a shadow of his former self. The three men-Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar-put on a great show of grief, wailing loudly and throwing dust on their heads.  Then they sat on the ground near Job and said nothing. For a full week, they sat there day and night, uttering not a word. We should not mistake their silence for comfort, for they asked the man no questions and learned only what was obvious-Job was in great pain. - JOB 2:11-13; 30:30.

Finally, Job had to begin the conversation himself.  In words drenched with pain, he cursed the day he was born.  And he revealed  a deep cause of his agony.  He thought that God was the source of his troubles!  (Job 3:1, 2, 23)  Though still a man of faith, Job desperately needed comfort.  But when those acquaintances began to speak, Job soon realized that their silence was better. - JOB 13:5.

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