1. We were born only yesterday (1-10)

Bildad spoke truly when he reminded Job that we need a sense of history. He was rebuked in chapter 42, however, for misrepresenting God. He assumes that Job's problems are the result of some specific sin in his life, or in the lives of his children (4). God is just; if Job is righteous, and pleads with God, he will be restored. Bildad admits his ignorance. We must look at God's history, and seek answers from the people who have gone before.

2. Those who forget God will perish (11-21)

Our roots must be in God or we will perish like papyrus reeds without water or like a plant trying to grow among rocks. To trust anyone or anything other than God is like leaning on a spider's web. If a man continually seeks God, God will restore his fortunes. Job doesn't need friends who diagnose his problem; he needs friends who pray for him.

Application: Lord, give me a sense of history; help me to be rooted in you, so that I can know my ignorance and pray.
One Word: A sense of history; roots in God