Integrity Under Attack!

 Those misguided men did something even worse. They actually cast doubt on not only Job's integrity but the very idea of integrity! In his opening speech, Eliphaz describes an eerie encounter with an an unseen spirit. The conclusion that Eliphaz drew from that demonic  experience was poisonous: God "has no faith in his servants, and he finds fault with his angels." With that reasoning, mere humans can never please God! Later, Bildad claimed that Job's integrity would not matter to God-amy more than that of a maggot!ob 4:1--18; 15:15; 22:2, 3; 25:4-6. 

Have you ever tried to comfort someone in the thros of great pain? It is not easy. But we can learn a great deal from from Job's misguided acquaintances-mostly what not to say. In their endless flow of high-soundiñg words and faulty logic, those three men never even addressed Jobby name! They gave no thought to Job's wounded heart and saw no need to treat him gently. So if someone you care about is feeling low, try to remain warm, personal, and kind. Seek to build up the person's faith and courage, helping that one to trust in God and to believe his great kindness, mercy, and justice. That is what Job would have done for his companions had he been in their place. (Job 16:4,5. How though, did he react to their persistent on his integrity? 

Next time: Job Stood Firm 

From the e jw org publications