Job 26:2

This verse reflects Job's recognition of God's unparalleled strength and ability to uplift the powerless, contrasting with the ineffective counsel he receives from his friends. Job emphasizes that true help comes from God alone, who can save and sustain those who are weak. His words challenge the notion that human wisdom can adequately address the complexities of suffering and divine justice, illustrating a deep theological insight into the nature of God's assistance versus human limitations. Ultimately, Job's lament reveals his longing for genuine support amidst his trials, pointing to a divine source of strength that transcends human understanding.

St. Jerome views Bildad's role in Job's affliction as one of misguided counsel that ultimately adds to Job's suffering rather than alleviating it. In his commentary, Jerome emphasizes that Bildad, along with Job's other friends, fails to provide genuine support or understanding during Job's time of distress. Instead of offering comfort, Bildad's arguments are rooted in a rigid theology that equates suffering with personal sin, suggesting that Job must repent to regain God’s favor and restore his fortunes.

I often misjudge others based on their suffering, sometimes attributing it to divine retribution. Yet, I am not in a position to judge. I must remember Job, a profoundly righteous man, who endured immense hardship. His experience reminds me of the complexity of suffering and the need for compassion without judgment.