Job - Chapter-18

Chapter Summary

Bildad's second discourse on Job's case.

How would you summarize Bildad's response? Is he helpful? Why or why not?
According to Bildad, why do people suffer? Is he correct?
How does Bildad's response compare with God's assessment of Job in chapter 1? Why do you think Job's friends repeatedly accuse him of sin?
How does Bildad's response here compare with his first speech in chapter 8? How (if at all) has his argument changed?
How does Bildad's understanding of suffering compare with Jesus's words in Matthew 5:45? How does this challenge your own understanding of suffering?
Where do you think Job's friends got the idea that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous? Is this a right understanding of God's justice? Why or why not?
Does Job's experience contradict Deuteronomy 28? Why or why not?
How does Bildad respond to Job's questions at the end of Job 17? Are his answers helpful? Why or why not?
If you were Job, how would you feel after this speech from Bildad? How would you respond to him?
Let's say that Job's suffering was the result of unrepentant sin. How could Bildad have responded in a way that helped Job better?