5:7 The Bible teaches that everyone has a natural tendency to sin, and Eliphaz supports this view. Those who follow God, however, can decide to resist sin. Eliphaz implied that he had done well at resisting sin while Job had not. This was far from the truth.
5:8 All three of Job’s friends made the mistake of assuming that Job had committed some great sin that had caused his suffering. Neither they nor Job knew of Satan’s conversation with God (1:6–2:6). It is human nature to blame people for their own troubles, but Job’s story makes it clear that blame cannot always be attached to those whom trouble strikes.
5:13 Paul later quoted part of this verse (1 Corinthians 3:19)—the only time Job is clearly quoted in the New Testament. Although God rebuked Eliphaz for being wrong in his advice to Job (42:7), not all he said was in error. The part Paul quoted was correct—people are often caught in their own traps. This illustrates how Scripture must be used to explain and comment on itself. We must be familiar with the entire scope of God’s Word to properly understand the difficult portions of it.
5:17 Eliphaz was correct—it is a blessing to be disciplined by God when we do wrong. Eliphaz’s advice, however, did not apply to Job. As we know from the beginning of the book, Job’s suffering was not a result of some great sin. We sometimes give people excellent advice only to learn that it does not apply to them and is therefore not very helpful. All who offer counsel from God’s Word should take care to thoroughly understand a person’s situation before giving advice.
5:17-26 Eliphaz’s words in 5:17, 18 show a view of discipline that has been almost forgotten: Pain can help us grow. These are good words to remember when we face hardship and loss. Because Job did not understand why he suffered, his faith in God had a chance to grow. On the other hand, we must not make Eliphaz’s mistake. God does not eliminate all hardship when we are following him closely, and good behavior is not always rewarded by prosperity. Rewards for good and punishment for evil are in God’s hands and given out according to his timetable. Satan’s ploy is to get us to doubt God’s love and faithfulness toward us.