Like Algebra???

How can a mortal be innocent before God? Can anyone born of a woman be pure? [Job 25.4]

In Bildad's third response to Job, he makes the statement above. It is not unlike Eliphaz's statement found in his third response to Job:

“Can a person do anything to help God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him? [Job 22.2]

These guys' arguments are good for us. I am convinced that each and every one of us can find ourselves in the words of one of these guys (Job included).

I genuinely believe there are words of wisdom found in the respective arguments of the men. I believe those wise statements are obvious enough as they are presented. Such would be the case of the two references noted above.

However, wise words were not the solution for Job. There was something else that needed to be addressed. Job needed to stop talking. Evidently, Job's friends needed to stop talking. The reason they needed to stop talking was because each of them, in their own way and, although they presented many valid statements, was proud in his argument. That is why reading the book of Job becomes so tedious - everyone is just trying to one-up the other in a battle of pious arrogant wit. Most all potential for teaching or helpfulness is lost in the seemingly endless nagging argumentative spirit in which their respective arguments are presented.

How can I be so sure of this? Because I know what is coming... Because I have read the story over and over and in the end Job still confesses:

Then Job replied to the LORD, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” [Job 40.3-5]

I remember Algebra classes in school. Sometimes the lesson was not in "the right answer" (which most of the time was given), but the was the process of arriving at the right answer. I liken the book of Job to an Algebra problem - we are given the answer in the end (there was unseen arrogance hidden deep in Job's heart), but the burden of responsibility lies upon us to understand the steps necessary to arrive at that answer.

Father, You are good and faithful to reveal Truth from the Bible. I want to continue to look to You for revelation from Your Word so that I might represent You well with my life.