Chapter 25 of Job is the tiniest chapter!  Bildad responds to Job’s complaint of how the wicked seemingly prosper…but doesn’t have much to say actually!  He doesn’t even touch on Job’s arguments and goes straight in for the kill by essentially telling Job he needs to be knocked down a peg or two.

But Job has had it.  He is done listening to his so-called friends. He’s done with their “advice.”  He’s done with their accusations and narrow-minded morals.  They have misrepresented him and misrepresented God and he’s not going to take it any more…

As shown by the longest (and most accurate, honest and gentle) tell off in history!

In Chapter 26, Job knocks Bildad, as well as the others, by questioning what power they have.  Without God we are but pond scum essentially…filthy rags.  We have nothing without Him and Job reminds them of that, then paints a beautiful picture of God’s power and our ignorance to try to understand it.

“With whose help have you uttered words, and whose breath has come out from you?”   Job 26:3

In Chapter 27, Job’s conscience is clear.  He’s done wavering.  He has remained faithful in his walk with the Lord and knows he has done nothing to deserve the heartache and pain befallen him.  He even points out that his friends have no more knowledge of God than he does and you can practically feel Job’s facepalm.

“Behold, all of you have seen it; Why then do you act foolishly?”   Job 27:12

And in Chapter 28, Job implies that his wise friends just maybe aren’t so wise after all.  The advice they have been offering were from their own experiences, their own knowledge…but Job argues that true wisdom is only found in knowing and trusting the Lord.

“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.”   Job 28:28

It is so easy when a friend has a problem or is struggling with something, for us to barrel in guns-a-blazing and try to put out the fire or fix what’s broken.  So often we analyze and give advice when all that is needed is love and an understanding ear.

(...and that God will even speak through those who don't know Him!)