◄ Job 4:4 ►
Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling.
Study Bible
Your words have steadied those who stumbled;

Eliphaz begins by recalling Job’s former ministry of counsel. Job had used wise and compassionate speech to restore people weakened by grief, fear, or failure. In a world where instruction was commonly passed on through spoken counsel, such words served as vital support within the community. Proverbs 12:25 likewise teaches that a good word can lift a burdened heart. Job’s past conduct showed that he understood how truth, spoken with mercy, could help others regain their footing.

Isa 50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship,…
Pro 12:25 Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word…
1Th 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly…

you have braced the knees that were buckling.

Buckling knees picture people exhausted by suffering or overcome by discouragement. Job had strengthened those who could no longer stand securely on their own. Isaiah later calls God’s people to “strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees” in view of the Lord’s coming salvation (Isaiah 35:3). Eliphaz’s reminder carries painful irony, since Job now needs the comfort he once gave. The Lord remains the true source of strength for the weak, and believers are called to reflect His sustaining grace by bearing one another’s burdens.

Isa 35:3 Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
Heb 12:12 Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.
Ezk 34:16 I will seek the lost, bring back the strays…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and faith.

2. Eliphaz the Temanite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz begins his first speech, attempting to explain Job's suffering.

3. Teman
A region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, suggesting he is a man of wisdom and understanding.

4. The Suffering of Job
The context of this verse is within the larger account of Job's trials, where he loses his wealth, children, and health, prompting his friends to visit and discuss the reasons for his suffering.

5. The Dialogue
The Book of Job is structured as a series of dialogues between Job and his friends, exploring themes of suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty.
Teaching Points
The Power of Words
Words have the power to uplift and strengthen those who are weak or discouraged. As believers, we are called to use our words to build up others, just as Job did.

Encouragement in Community
Job's example shows the importance of being a source of encouragement within our communities. We should strive to be a support system for those who are struggling.

Reflecting on Past Strengths
Eliphaz reminds Job of his past role as an encourager. In times of personal trial, reflecting on how God has used us in the past can provide hope and perspective.

The Role of Friends in Suffering
The presence of Job's friends, despite their flawed counsel, underscores the importance of community and companionship in times of suffering.

Spiritual Resilience
Just as Job's words once strengthened others, we are reminded to seek spiritual resilience through God's Word, which can steady us in our own times of trial.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we use our words to support and encourage those who are struggling in our lives today?

2. Reflect on a time when someone else's words helped you through a difficult situation. How can you emulate that encouragement for others?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our community is a place where people feel supported and strengthened?

4. How does reflecting on past experiences of being used by God provide comfort and hope during personal trials?

5. What practical steps can we take to build spiritual resilience, drawing from Job's example and other scriptures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 35:3
This verse speaks of strengthening the weak hands and making firm the feeble knees, similar to the encouragement Job provided to others.

Hebrews 12:12
This New Testament passage echoes the call to strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, drawing a parallel to the encouragement and support Job once offered.

Proverbs 12:25
Highlights the power of a good word to lift a person's spirit, akin to how Job's words once supported those who were stumbling.
Sermons
The Teacher TestedE. Johnson Job 4:1-6
Eliphaz and Job: Forgotten Truths Called to MindE. Johnson Job 4:1-11
Eliphaz as a Natural ReligionistHomilistJob 4:1-21
The Error of EliphazD. J. Burrell, D. D.Job 4:1-21
The First ColloquySamuel Cox, D. D.Job 4:1-21
The Message of the Three FriendsRobert A. Watson, D. D.Job 4:1-21
But Now it is Come Upon Thee, and Thou FaintestJ. Caryl.Job 4:3-5
Job's Usefulness in the PastJ. Caryl.Job 4:3-5
Preaching Easier than PractisingJ. Trapp.Job 4:3-5
The Teacher At FaultW.F. Adeney Job 4:3-5
People
Eliphaz, Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Bending, Bent, Bowing, Braced, Falling, Faltering, Feeble, Firm, Hast, Helped, Knees, Lifted, Raise, Stand, Strength, Strengthen, Strengthened, Stumbled, Stumbling, Supported, Tottering, Upheld, Upholden
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 4:4

     5163   legs
     5186   stumbling

Job 4:3-4

     5549   speech, positive

Library
November 17 Evening
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.--GAL. 6:7. They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.--They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.--He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.--He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Whether the Evil of Fault Can be in the Angels?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be no evil of fault in the angels. For there can be no evil except in things which are in potentiality, as is said by the Philosopher (Metaph. ix, text. 19), because the subject of privation is a being in potentiality. But the angels have not being in potentiality, since they are subsisting forms. Therefore there can be no evil in them. Objection 2: Further, the angels are higher than the heavenly bodies. But philosophers say that there cannot be evil in …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Human Nature was More Assumable by the Son of God than any Other Nature?
Objection 1: It would seem that human nature is not more capable of being assumed by the Son of God than any other nature. For Augustine says (Ep. ad Volusianum cxxxvii): "In deeds wrought miraculously the whole reason of the deed is the power of the doer." Now the power of God Who wrought the Incarnation, which is a most miraculous work, is not limited to one nature, since the power of God is infinite. Therefore human nature is not more capable of being assumed than any other creature. Objection …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Contemplative Life is Continuous?
Objection 1: It would seem that the contemplative life is not continuous. For the contemplative life consists essentially in things pertaining to the intellect. Now all the intellectual perfections of this life will be made void, according to 1 Cor. 13:8, "Whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or knowledge shall be destroyed." Therefore the contemplative life is made void. Objection 2: Further, a man tastes the sweetness of contemplation by snatches and for a short time only: …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Sin against the Holy Ghost Can be Forgiven?
Objection 1: It would seem that the sin against the Holy Ghost can be forgiven. For Augustine says (De Verb. Dom., Serm. lxxi): "We should despair of no man, so long as Our Lord's patience brings him back to repentance." But if any sin cannot be forgiven, it would be possible to despair of some sinners. Therefore the sin against the Holy Ghost can be forgiven. Objection 2: Further, no sin is forgiven, except through the soul being healed by God. But "no disease is incurable to an all-powerful physician," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Received Knowledge from the Angels?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ received knowledge from the angels. For it is written (Lk. 22:43) that "there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him." But we are strengthened by the comforting words of a teacher, according to Job 4:3,4: "Behold thou hast taught many and hast strengthened the weary hand. Thy words have confirmed them that were staggering." Therefore Christ was taught by angels. Objection 2: Further, Dionysius says (Coel. Hier. iv): "For I see that even Jesus---the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The Blessing it is to the Soul. The Effects of It.
1. I wish I could explain, with the help of God, wherein union differs from rapture, or from transport, or from flight of the spirit, as they speak, or from a trance, which are all one. [1] I mean, that all these are only different names for that one and the same thing, which is also called ecstasy. [2] It is more excellent than union, the fruits of it are much greater, and its other operations more manifold; for union is uniform in the beginning, the middle, and the end, and is so also interiorly. …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

God Far Above Creatures. Job 4:17-21.
God far above creatures. Job 4:17-21. Shall the vile race of flesh and blood Contend with their Creator God? Shall mortal worms presume to be More holy, wise, or just than he? Behold, he puts his trust in none Of all the spirits round his throne: Their natures, when compared with his, Are neither holy, just, nor wise. But how much meaner things are they Who spring from dust, and dwell in clay! Touched by the finger of thy wrath, We faint and vanish like the moth. From night to day, from day to …
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

What is Meant by "Altogether Lovely"
Let us consider this excellent expression, and particularly reflect on what is contained in it, and you shall find this expression "altogether lovely." First, It excludes all unloveliness and disagreeableness from Jesus Christ. As a theologian long ago said, "There is nothing in him which is not loveable." The excellencies of Jesus Christ are perfectly exclusive of all their opposites; there is nothing of a contrary property or quality found in him to contaminate or devaluate his excellency. And …
John Flavel—Christ Altogether Lovely

Whether Every Punishment is Inflicted for a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that not every punishment is inflicted for a sin. For it is written (Jn. 9:3, 2) about the man born blind: "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents . . . that he should be born blind." In like manner we see that many children, those also who have been baptized, suffer grievous punishments, fevers, for instance, diabolical possession, and so forth, and yet there is no sin in them after they have been baptized. Moreover before they are baptized, there is no more sin …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether after the Resurrection the Saints Will See God with the Eyes of the Body? [*Cf. Fp, Q , a ]
Objection 1: It would seem that after the resurrection the saints will see God with the eyes of the body. Because the glorified eye has greater power than one that is not glorified. Now the blessed Job saw God with his eyes (Job 42:5): "With the hearing of the ear, I have heard Thee, but now my eye seeth Thee." Much more therefore will the glorified eye be able to see God in His essence. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Job 19:26): "In my flesh I shall see God my Saviour [Vulg.: 'my God']." Therefore …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to be Seriously Convinced of the Doctrine of Gratuitous Justification.
1. Source of error on the subject of Justification. Sophists speak as if the question were to be discussed before some human tribunal. It relates to the majesty and justice of God. Hence nothing accepted without absolute perfection. Passages confirming this doctrine. If we descend to the righteousness of the Law, the curse immediately appears. 2. Source of hypocritical confidence. Illustrated by a simile. Exhortation. Testimony of Job, David, and Paul. 3. Confession of Augustine and Bernard. 4. Another …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Certain Heavenly Secrets, visions, and Revelations. The Effects of them in Her Soul.
1. One night I was so unwell that I thought I might be excused making my prayer; so I took my rosary, that I might employ myself in vocal prayer, trying not to be recollected in my understanding, though outwardly I was recollected, being in my oratory. These little precautions are of no use when our Lord will have it otherwise. I remained there but a few moments thus, when I was rapt in spirit with such violence that I could make no resistance whatever. It seemed to me that I was taken up to heaven; …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
1. Brief summary of Chapters 15 and 16. Why justification is denied to works. Argument of opponents founded on the promises of the law. The substance of this argument. Answer. Those who would be justified before God must be exempted from the power of the law. How this is done. 2. Confirmation of the answer ab impossibili, and from the testimony of an Apostle and of David. 3. Answer to the objection, by showing why these promises were given. Refutation of the sophistical distinction between the intrinsic …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

On the Animals
The birds are the saints, because they fly to the higher heart; in the gospel: and he made great branches that the birds of the air might live in their shade. [Mark 4:32] Flying is the death of the saints in God or the knowledge of the Scriptures; in the psalm: I shall fly and I shall be at rest. [Ps. 54(55):7 Vulgate] The wings are the two testaments; in Ezekiel: your body will fly with two wings of its own. [Ez. 1:23] The feathers are the Scriptures; in the psalm: the wings of the silver dove. …
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names.
At least twenty-five different names are used in the Old and New Testaments in speaking of the Holy Spirit. There is the deepest significance in these names. By the careful study of them, we find a wonderful revelation of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. I. The Spirit. The simplest name by which the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Bible is that which stands at the head of this paragraph--"The Spirit." This name is also used as the basis of other names, so we begin our study with this. …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^A Matt. I. 18-25. ^a 18 Now the birth [The birth of Jesus is to handled with reverential awe. We are not to probe into its mysteries with presumptuous curiosity. The birth of common persons is mysterious enough (Eccl. ix. 5; Ps. cxxxix. 13-16), and we do not well, therefore, if we seek to be wise above what is written as to the birth of the Son of God] of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed [The Jews were usually betrothed ten or twelve months …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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