Read Job 4-5.
For a week, Job's three friends have said nothing. But once Job broke the silence, they felt free to speak. The conversation between these four runs all the way through chapter 37.
It is immediately obvious that Job's friends never took the 50 hours of training in Stephen Ministry. While along the way the men speak nuggets of truth, their intent was most often misguided correction. They wrongfully assumed that bad things happen to bad people. Therefore, Job with all his outward signs of godliness must have some awful hidden sin that caused this calamity.
Eliphaz accused Job of being impatient and reaping what he sowed. His advice: "As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number." (5:8-9) And, "Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore, despise not the discipline of the Almighty." (5:17)
His theology is sound. It is the application that is amiss. He called upon Job to repent of sin, thinking that these tragedies were punishments from God. Such was not the case. This was a test of Job's faith, not a punishment. The instigator was Satan, not God.
Unless there is some evidence of violation of God's word, we must always be careful and slow in our judgments. Blatant disobedience needs swift correction. But a tragedy is not always the result of personal sin. Also, it impossible to know what God is doing or how He will chose to use this painful experience in the future.
Hurting people need the comfort and encouragement of a friend.
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19)
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