1.) Bildad’s First Speech - He explains that all suffering is a form of punishment, describes how the wicked suffer, and assures Job that he will be rewarded if he turns to God.
a.) The Doctrine of Punishment (Job 8:3-7)
Why do people suffer? Bildad’s arguments with Job reveal him to be a wise man that looks to the authority of tradition. Bildad attempts to persuade Job to turn to God: “As we are but of yesterday and have no knowledge because our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you and utter their words of understanding?” For Bildad, Job suffers because of the wickedness of his children. He implies that Job’s children died deservedly because of their transgressions (violated something). According to ancient tradition, do something wicked and you will pay for it through the consequences and punishments. For Bildad, Job’s children were punished because of their wickedness. Job also suffered because he is related to them. Whatever happens to them, because he love them and care for them, he gets affected. For example, if our loved one commits a crime and he/she is punished, of course we who are related to him/her are also affected. If a seminarian is sent out from the seminary, of course those who are related and those who care for him/her also suffers. That is why, before we do something bad and crazy, let us always consider that other people who care for us will get hurt if we will be punished.
b.) The Fate of the Wicked (Job 8:8-19)
He states that the wisdom of the patriarchs teaches that wicked men will perish as surely as reeds (a tall water plant) without water. “While it is green and uncut, it withers quicker than any grass.” In this part of Bildad’s speech, he presented symbolic words in warning Job that if he will not return to God, he will live in misery.
c.) Returning to God- A Happy Future Waits (Job 8:20-22)
- “Behold, God will not cast away the upright; neither will he take the hand of the wicked. Once more will he fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with rejoicing? They that hate you shall be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked shall be no more.”
Even though Bildad started his speech about the cause of punishment and about wickedness, he ended up hoping that that Job will return to God. This part of his speech shows that he is a man of optimism and hope.
2.) Bildad’s Second Speech- Bildad’s second speech is still about wickedness. The sense of his speech is the same in his first speech but he used other metaphors (symbols) and similes (figurative language). It can be summarized by Prov. 14:11: “The house of the wicked will be demolished, but the tent of the upright will flourish.” In fact, his speech has many parallels in the books of Proverbs and Psalms.
3.) Bildad’s Third Speech- “How much less man, who is but a maggot, the son of man who is only a worm?” Bildad declares that God is all powerful, so "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?" Bildad said. Job admitted it.
Lesson in Bildad’s Speeches:
Discernment is important before we do a certain action. If we think that what we will do will give no harm to others and if it is for the greater glory of God, then proceed. If it is the other way around, don’t proceed. Bildad in his speeches encourages us not to do wicked things. If we do so, we are not alone are affected and hurt but also those who care and love us. If we do so, other people will also suffer.
a.) The Doctrine of Punishment (Job 8:3-7)
Why do people suffer? Bildad’s arguments with Job reveal him to be a wise man that looks to the authority of tradition. Bildad attempts to persuade Job to turn to God: “As we are but of yesterday and have no knowledge because our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you and utter their words of understanding?” For Bildad, Job suffers because of the wickedness of his children. He implies that Job’s children died deservedly because of their transgressions (violated something). According to ancient tradition, do something wicked and you will pay for it through the consequences and punishments. For Bildad, Job’s children were punished because of their wickedness. Job also suffered because he is related to them. Whatever happens to them, because he love them and care for them, he gets affected. For example, if our loved one commits a crime and he/she is punished, of course we who are related to him/her are also affected. If a seminarian is sent out from the seminary, of course those who are related and those who care for him/her also suffers. That is why, before we do something bad and crazy, let us always consider that other people who care for us will get hurt if we will be punished.
b.) The Fate of the Wicked (Job 8:8-19)
He states that the wisdom of the patriarchs teaches that wicked men will perish as surely as reeds (a tall water plant) without water. “While it is green and uncut, it withers quicker than any grass.” In this part of Bildad’s speech, he presented symbolic words in warning Job that if he will not return to God, he will live in misery.
c.) Returning to God- A Happy Future Waits (Job 8:20-22)
- “Behold, God will not cast away the upright; neither will he take the hand of the wicked. Once more will he fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with rejoicing? They that hate you shall be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked shall be no more.”
Even though Bildad started his speech about the cause of punishment and about wickedness, he ended up hoping that that Job will return to God. This part of his speech shows that he is a man of optimism and hope.
2.) Bildad’s Second Speech- Bildad’s second speech is still about wickedness. The sense of his speech is the same in his first speech but he used other metaphors (symbols) and similes (figurative language). It can be summarized by Prov. 14:11: “The house of the wicked will be demolished, but the tent of the upright will flourish.” In fact, his speech has many parallels in the books of Proverbs and Psalms.
3.) Bildad’s Third Speech- “How much less man, who is but a maggot, the son of man who is only a worm?” Bildad declares that God is all powerful, so "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?" Bildad said. Job admitted it.
Lesson in Bildad’s Speeches:
Discernment is important before we do a certain action. If we think that what we will do will give no harm to others and if it is for the greater glory of God, then proceed. If it is the other way around, don’t proceed. Bildad in his speeches encourages us not to do wicked things. If we do so, we are not alone are affected and hurt but also those who care and love us. If we do so, other people will also suffer.