Overwhelmed by suffering, Job was not comforted but condemned by his friends. Each of their views represents a well-known way to understand suffering. God proves that each explanation given by Job’s friends has less than the whole answer.
How He Helped: He sat in silence with Job for seven days. (2:11-13)
His Reasoning: Job is suffering because he has sinned.
His Advice: Go to God and present your case to him. (5:8)
Job’s Response: Stop assuming my guilt. (6:29)
God’s Response: God rebukes Job's friends. (42:7)
How He Helped: He sat in silence with Job for seven days. (2:11-13)
His Reasoning: Job won’t admit he sinned, so he’s still suffering.
His Advice: How long will you go on like this? (8:2)
Job’s Response: I will say to God, . . . Tell me the charge you are bringing against me. (10:2)
How He Helped: He sat in silence with Job for seven days. (2:11-13)
His Reasoning: Job’s sin deserves even more suffering than he’s experienced.
His Advice: Get rid of your sins. (11:13, 14)
Job’s Response: I will be proved innocent. (13:18)
How He Helped: Confronted Job with the need to be content even though he didn't know why he was suffering.
His Reasoning: God is using suffering to mold and train Job.
His Advice: Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom. (33:33)
Job’s Response: None
God’s Response: God does not directly address Elihu.
His Reasoning: Did not explain the reason for the pain
His Advice: Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? (40:2)
Job’s Response: I was talking about things I did not understand. (42:3-5)