1. Who is speaking at the beginning of Chapter 15?

2. What is his accusation now?

That Job’s own words are condemning him and testifying against him 15:6

3. What is he trying to tell Job in 15:14?

That no one is perfect, no one can be pure and righteous before God.

4. How does Eliphaz describe the wicked man?

Writhes in pain, his prosperity is destroyed, he is afraid, but he is stubborn before God and defiantly fights against Him. 15:20-26

5. In Chapter 16 who begins to speak?

Job 16:1

6. How does Job feel about his friends?

They are not much comfort 16:2

7. Are his friends easing his pain or adding to it?

16:8 They are just making him feel worse.

8. How does Job describe his attitude and prayer?

He is pure and without violence 16:17

9. What would he like for his friends to do?

Plead for him with God as a good neighbor might  16:21

10. As Job prays, what does he say God has hidden from his friends?

Their heart from understanding 17:4

11. What does Job say he has become to people?

A byword, a laughing stock, something for people to talk about 17:6

12. What does he say will happen to the man with clean hands or the righteous man?

13. Job is still clinging to what one thing?

Hope 17:15

14. Who begins in Chapter 18?

Bildad the Shuhite 18:1

15. How does Bildad feel towards Job?

Angry, as if Job thinks they are stupid. 18:2-4

16. Describe some of the things that Bildad says will happen to the wicked.

The light of the wicked goes out, his steps are shortened, he is caught in a trap, he is afraid, his home is taken, memory of him on earth is wiped out. 18:5-17

A. Why do you think Job’s friends are no longer comforting him, but instead are accusing him and almost becoming angry with him?

I think that they were truly convinced that bad things only happen to bad people. They felt that if Job just confessed, the punishment would leave him and God would restore him. We should be sure, when we are trying to teach someone, that we know what we are talking about and not just arguing. We also need to learn gentleness, speaking the truth in love, and compassion even when we are correct. Being right doesn’t mean we should be cruel or unkind.

B. Please share your thoughts or questions.  

I think when we are right we tend to forget the position the other person is in. A modern day example might be someone who truly is suffering from pain directly caused by their own sin. Most likely they are already aware of their mistakes . We need to be there to help them pick up the pieces and do what is right not berate them further. Think about the fact that all sins have consequences sooner or later. That is why God says 'no' to our prayers or efforts , because He wants to spare us the pain that comes from our poor choices. If we follow His way we can save ourselves much heartache.

Lesson by:  Regaina Thompson

Edited by:  Joan Miller