“…man is born to trouble…” Job 5:7a

As Eliphaz continued in his ‘diatribal’ response to Job’s lament, one gains clear insight to Eliphaz’s world-view and religiosity. There are parts of his first response which ring true, while the tone and absence of grace reflect a more judgmental position. The Hebrew word for “holy ones” (v.1b) is “Kedoshim”, and may have alluded to all those in Job’s  faith community who had abandoned Job in his time of need, though we have no reason as to why such would happen.:

“Call if you will, but who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?”

Eliphaz’s statement does not consider a personal God, full of grace; Who is accessible by merely calling out to Him in prayer. Job’s friend then pours salt into his emotional wounds by implying Job acted foolishly, and that the death of Job’s adult children could be directly blamed on Job (vv. 2 – 4).

All of Eliphaz’s statements speak of the immediate instead of the ultimate will of God. Surely, even in his day, Job understood God desires to bless His children; and while evil men may rule for a day, a time of judgment and reckoning will come when God will extend His eternal reward to His children, while bringing doom to workers of evil.

Eliphaz clearly understands that each day has enough trouble in itself (read Matthew 6:34). In today’s five understandable words, Eliphaz recognizes this universal truth. People all over the world understand the blessings of health, home, and happiness being temporary. Days of trouble come when one least expects it.

The question for us today is: Are we ready for the moment trouble will come? Will we fall under the pressure of disaster and tragedy? Or will we continue to hope in God through faith? What side of the trouble equation will we be found on when that day of trouble comes?

MAN IS BORN TO TROUBLE

We may as well acknowledge it… and prepare our hearts and minds for it.

Have a blessed day…

 (Revised 10/11/2019)