How do Job's friends' intentions compare with Proverbs 17:17 on friendship? Proverbs 17:17—God’s standard for friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Job 2:11-13—The friends at their best “Now when Job’s three friends… met together by agreement to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him… they wept aloud… and sat on the ground with him seven days and seven nights. No one spoke a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.” • They travel long distances, united in purpose. • They feel Job’s pain so deeply that they weep and sit silently, matching his grief. • At this point, their intentions line up with Proverbs 17:17—loving presence in adversity. Job 4–31—When good intentions derail • The silence breaks; each friend insists Job’s suffering must be divine punishment. • Eliphaz appeals to mystical visions (4:12-21), Bildad to rigid tradition (8:8-10), Zophar to harsh moral logic (11:13-20). • Their speeches grow increasingly accusatory; comfort turns to condemnation. Comparing intentions with Proverbs 17:17 • Proverbs calls for steady, unconditional love; the friends begin that way but soon attach conditions—“We’ll stand with you if you admit your guilt.” • A brother “born for adversity” should shoulder the burden (Galatians 6:2), not add to it. The friends’ theological debates heap fresh grief on Job (16:2). • What looked like compassion is revealed as an attempt to defend their worldview rather than defend their friend. Where the friends fell short • They spoke more than they listened (James 1:19). • They assumed full knowledge of God’s purposes (Job 42:7). • They valued being right over being loving (Proverbs 18:24). • They failed the “at all times” test—love collapsed under the weight of unanswered questions. Lessons for today • Presence often matters more than explanation; silent sympathy can be holy ministry. • Suffering friends need advocates, not prosecutors (Romans 12:15). • Guard against quick, tidy answers to deep pain; leave room for mystery (Deuteronomy 29:29). • Measure counsel by Proverbs 17:17—does it sound like love that persists “at all times”? |
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