Job 4:1-6

The Voice

4 Standing with Job and his other two friends in the trash heap, Eliphaz the Temanite tried to convince Job his suffering was temporary.

²Eliphaz: Could you bear it if someone were to speak?
        Ah, but who can hold his tongue in such a situation?
³    Look back, and think on the many you have taught;
        you have strengthened the weak hands of the suffering.
⁴    Your words propped up the tottering;
        you have strengthened mourners’ wobbly knees.
⁵    May my words help you in that way, now that trouble arrives and you despair.
        It extends its hand, crushes you, and you are overwhelmed.
⁶    Isn’t your fear of God true confidence
        and your unswerving commitment genuine hope?