Bildad's 1st and 2nd speeches were long (Chapters 8, 18). He was certain that Job's troubles were a direct result of his sin. This 3rd speech is short; it reemphasizes the same theme. What he says is basically true-no man can be righteous before God. But his "cause and effect" idea of God's justice shows that he does not understand God or Job. He is awed by God's majesty and repulsed by man's depravity to the point of having no hope; it is because he has no personal relationship with God.

Job's answer to Bildad begins with a sarcastic retort. Bildad's advice has not helped him. He then picks up the theme of Bildad's words and speaks about the greatness of God's power and wisdom, especially as it is displayed in nature. Bildad thinks he knows God, but Job, who knows him better, is deeply aware of the smallness of his own knowledge.


Application: Lord, cleanse me from sin and help me to know you.
One Word: Righteousness is God's gift