For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
Job had three friends who came to talk with him. In this chapter, his friend Bildad takes a turn. He tries to help, but he does not get it quite right.
Today's Story
Job's friend Bildad wanted to help. So he spoke up and shared what he thought.
“God is always fair,” Bildad said. “He never does anything wrong. So, Job, if you just reach out to God, maybe everything will get better again.”
Some of what Bildad said was true. God IS fair, and God IS good, and reaching out to God is always a wonderful idea.
But Bildad also said something that was not true. He thought Job's hard time must be a punishment — like Job had done something bad to deserve it. And that was not right at all. Job had not done anything wrong. Sometimes hard things just happen, even to good people.
Bildad meant well. But friends do not always have the perfect answer. The very best thing we can do for a hurting friend is sit close, listen, and be kind — not tell them it is all their fault.
And here is the part that is always true: God is fair, and He is good, and He is never far away.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- Bildad tried to help his friend but said the wrong thing. When a friend is sad, what is a kind thing you could say or do for them?
- Bildad thought hard times must be a punishment, but he was wrong. Why is it good to remember that sad things are not always our fault?
- The Bible says God is always fair and always good. How does that help when something feels confusing or unfair?