When the verse says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov 27:6), it probably means surgery, not savagery!
When I see my little grandsons parrying and thrusting with their toy weapons, I think of the proverb, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords” (Prov 12:18, NIV). If Job’s three friends have come to comfort him, they are going about it in a bewildering way. Job has just poured out his heart in addressing the transient nature of life, the welcome escape of death, and his uncertainty about the afterlife. How should Eliphaz respond to these sensitive topics? Here’s his initial thrust: “Should a wise man answer with empty knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind? Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or by speeches with which he can do no good? Yes, you cast off fear, and restrain prayer before God. For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the tongue of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; yes, your own lips testify against you” (Job 15:2-6). This is the ancient version of the modern riposte, “I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you’re unarmed.” Nothing but hot air? Nothing worth discussing? Nothing of the fear of God about you? Nothing needing correction because you’ve shown up your own folly? And, it turns out, Eliphaz is just getting warmed up! He now thinks it’s time for a cross-examination. Ten questions come at Job fast and furious (vv 7-16). Did you found the human race? Are you as old as the hills—or older? Are you God’s confidant, and do you have a corner on wisdom? So the queries fly, but the sum of them is this: Job should not be taken seriously in anything he says. Is this the basis of a long-term relationship? Is this how to help a friend? Hardly. Instead, let’s take to heart the other half of Proverbs 12:18, “but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” That’s the way, isn’t it!