Faith is the courage to trust God with all our being. In Christianity, faith is always assumed to be something that is alive and full of dynamics. So it can be interpreted that the basis of faith is a relationship with God that is lived in the midst of our daily lives. So there is always room for dialogue with Him, even when life is not going well. That is the wisdom that comes from God Himself.
In this passage, we see Eliphaz's efforts to rebuke Job and continue his judgment. Eliphaz speaks with full confidence and feels that the wisdom he has is absolute truth. He does not understand that Job does not reject wisdom, but he longs to meet the Owner of wisdom Himself. Eliphaz relies on the doctrine that humans must submit to whatever God decides, including the fact that suffering is God's punishment for the sins committed by humans. He also does not understand that Job is not opposing God, but rather seeking Him with all his heart.
Eliphaz even blames Job for his arrogance for rejecting good advice. The words that came out of Job's mouth were considered rude, contrary to the respect that should be given to God. Job should have submitted to the understanding that had existed and was firmly held by Eliphaz, namely: God is holy and perfect while humans are mortal and sinful. So when suffering occurs, the fault must lie with humans.
Job was not a sinless man, but his suffering was not due to a particular sin that he hid. He sought answers amidst the fog of suffering, but all he found were accusations. Isn't the dynamic that Job was experiencing the inner struggle of humans throughout the ages. Humans seek God with all their might in their suffering, but what they find is His silence. However, in that silence, God continues to work. Believers know that in silence, God is still there. Unfortunately, some religious people consider this understanding as rebellion against God. As represented by Eliphaz's view which makes him even less human. He should have been able to understand that true wisdom does not silence the voice of the heart that groans to God. True wisdom is not religious rules, but also compassion for others.
Bible friends, let us reflect on how we deal with suffering, whether our own or that of others. When someone is in trouble, are we there as an understanding friend or a judgmental judge? Are we more busy defending our own understanding than trying to understand the hearts of others? Eliphaz spoke of wisdom, but wisdom without love is emptiness. True wisdom understands that in suffering, it is not just answers that are needed, but presence, empathy, and patience to seek God together. May we not be the “Elifaz” in other people’s lives, but be friends who truly listen and are present in the midst of their storms.
