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V 1–6: SADNESS OF SITUATION Eliphaz summarises how Job has helped many in the past, but now is in great need himself. V 7–11: MISUNDERSTANDING THE MYSTERY Eliphaz cannot understand what is really happening. His argument is basically that the innocent and the upright do not suffer. Clearly, the Bible and experience prove him wrong. V 12–16: VANITY AND VISIONS Eliphaz bases his observation on his claim to have had a vision in the night. A frightening vision of an unknown spirit produces a voice that tells him what to say to Job. The visions of other people are never a good basis for sound counselling or for spiritual help. We must turn to biblical revelation and principles. V 17–21: PURITY AND PERISHING Here, Eliphaz produces truth which, however, is unrelated to the situation. God is more pure than any man, including Job. We all fail; our lives are like clay houses that will crumble. None of this is relevant to Job’s situation.