JOB AND THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL

Bildad Speaks

Bildad said that Job was full of hot air. (Verse 1-3)

Does God ever pervert justice? Does He ever pervert the right? Why do you think Bildad brought up these questions?

Genesis 18:25 “Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?””

Deuteronomy 32:4 ““The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.”

Psalm 89:14 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.”

He said that Job’s children died because of their sin. (Verse 4)

Eliphaz had already hinted that Job was at least partially to blame for the deaths of his children. Here Bildad explicitly said that his children were dead because of their sin.

See Job 5:2-7...

What do you think about Bildad’s accusation? Was there any truth to it?

John 9:2 “And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?””

Bildad told Job that he should seek and pursue God. If Job did that, and was also pure and upright, God would deliver, restore, and bless him more than ever. (Verses 5-7)

Job 5:8 ““As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause,”

Isaiah 55:6–7 ““Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Wasn’t Job already pure and upright, according to the Lord? Hadn’t he already sought the Lord?

See Job 1:1, 8, 2:3...

If we take Bildad’s advice, are we guaranteed an easy life of blessings? Are those who follow God exempt from troubles, trials, and tribulations?

1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””

Acts 14:22 “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

1 Thessalonians 3:4 “For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.”

2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”

1 Peter 5:8–9 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

See Hebrews 11...

We need to guard ourselves from thinking that if we are faithful to the Lord we will be exempt from suffering.

Bildad told Job that history and their ancestors would all testify the same thing as what he had told Job. (Verses 8-10)

Is it wise to look at what history and our elders have to say about life? Why or why not? Are our elders always right? Where can we always go for reliable guidance about the troubles and trials we face?

Deuteronomy 32:7 “Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.”

Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

How important is it to remember how inexperienced we are and the fact that we don’t know everything?

Psalm 39:4–5 ““O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah”

Psalm 144:4 “Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.”

Like the papyrus can’t flourish without water, so the wicked can’t prosper for long without turning to the Lord and righteous living. They may appear to prosper for a time, but it is always short lived. (Verses 11-15)

Do you think that Bildad was correct here? Why or why not? Were there any dangers in this line of thinking?

See Jeremiah 17:5-8...

See Psalm 1...

See Deuteronomy 8:11-20...

See Matthew 7:24-27...

It is possible for a lush plant to spread out and appear to thrive, yet the sun could still burn it up. In the same way, the prosperity of the wicked will not last for long. He will wither and be uprooted, while the godly takes his place. (Verses 16-19)

Was Bildad correct in his thinking here?

Job 5:3 “I have seen the fool taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling.”

Psalm 37:35–36 “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.”

See Psalm 73:3-20...

Psalm 75:7 “but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.”

How can we safeguard against misapplying truths?

The Lord will not reject a blameless man, and He will not accept the wicked. The righteous will be filled with joy and laughter, while the wicked will face shame and destruction. (Verses 20-22)

What are your thoughts about Bildad’s final statements here? What are some implications of what he says here?

Job 4:7 ““Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off?”

Proverbs 3:33 “The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.”

Proverbs 10:24 “What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.”

Proverbs 12:7 “The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.”

Proverbs 12:21 “No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.”