Responding to Bad Advice, Part 2 (Job Lesson 7)

I have learned that EVERYONE has some hurt and heartache in his or her life. And many who try to help those who are hurting end up causing more pain. I think I know why this happens, at least some of the time. It has to do with finding cause and casting blame.

Most people are conditioned to troubleshoot and repair. That’s not a bad thing. You want your mechanic to do that with your car when it won’t run, and you DEFINITELY want the AC guy to do so if your central air unit goes out. We go to doctors when we are sick and we want them to find the reason why so we can get better. This isn’t a bad thing. In most cases it is a very GOOD thing! The problem is that not every problem has an easily discernable source.

Job's pain and suffering are a result of God allowing him to experience SIGNIFICANT loss and heartache, but Job doesn't know this. Neither do his friends who come to help. Their intent may have been good, but their "help" was anything but helpful.

In our last lesson we heard one of Job's friends offer bad counsel and Job's response. Tonight we will look at another friend who begins to speak up. His name is Bildad and, unfortunately, his "help" isn't very helpful, either. Let's take a closer look. Thanks for tuning in!