Day 7: Job 14-16

In chapter 14, Job continues his speech. He says that life is short and filled with grief. (verse 1) While this is true, it is important to remember that God understands everything we are going through. He Himself has entered into our suffering (1 Peter 2:24). He came to Earth as a man in the person of Jesus Christ, and Jesus experienced everything that we do. He gets it!

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 14:15

Job felt like God was destroying all of his hope, not realizing God had not left him, and He still had good plans for him.

In chapter 15, Eliphaz (the first and oldest friend) speaks again. He’s upset that Job wouldn’t admit their “superior” wisdom and beg them and God for forgiveness.

He lacked sympathy (and empathy) and accused Job of spreading hot air and making others turn from God and leading them to doubt. He called Job sinful and scheming. He claims that he, Bildad, and Zophar have wisdom and that their words are comfort from God. It appears that he is older (verse 10) than Job, which may contribute to his frustration and relentlessness in getting Job to admit they are wise in what they are saying about him.

When a person is so sure of their own wisdom and is convinced that they have all the answers, like Eliphaz, he or she is arrogant and unteachable, which is dangerous territory.

Eliphaz was extremely harsh, rude, and disrespectful toward Job, yet he claimed that he was dealing gently.

Oftentimes, when people are suffering and mourning, it’s best to just be quiet, comfort them, and mourn with them instead of trying to advise or condemn them.

In chapter 16, Job tells his friends that they are miserable comforters, and he asks them to be quiet. He tells them that if he were in their situation, he would provide encouragement and relief. While he sees how horrible his friends are, he continues to shift his focus to his feeling that “God devastated his family” (verse 7).

Job felt alone and that everyone was against him. He really wanted a court date with God and a mediator to defend him. He said his friends rejected him, and he wanted to prove to everyone that he had done nothing wrong.

There are times in life when we experience similar feelings as Job: loneliness, abandonment, sorrow, grief, etc. These are the times when you must remember that God will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) In God’s silence, He is trying to teach you something.

This is a grace-filled space. Come as you are. Participate as life allows. If you’d like, comment below and share something that stood out to you in today’s study—your reflection may be exactly what another sister needs to read.

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

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