Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees.

Why does Job 4 seem to contradict other biblical teachings, such as the Book of Psalms, that the righteous can and do suffer? In Job 9:4, how can an all-powerful God allow innocent suffering if He is truly wise and mighty?

2 “If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking? how you have strengthened feeble hands. you have strengthened faltering knees. it strikes you, and you are dismayed. and your blameless ways your hope? 7 “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?

2 “If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking? And you have strengthened weak hands. It touches you, and you are troubled. 6 Is not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope? 7 “Remember now, who ever perished being innocent?

In the past you have told many a troubled soul to trust in God and have encouraged those who are weak or falling, or lie crushed upon the ground or are tempted to despair. Then Eliphaz from Teman spoke up: “Would you mind if I said something to you? …

4 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. 5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. 6 Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?

Eliphaz first enters the list with Job, Job 4:1; introduces what he had to say in a preface, with some show of tenderness, friendship, and respect, Job 4:2; observes his former conduct in his prosperity, by instructing many, strengthening weak hands and feeble knees, and supporting stumbling and falling ones, Job 4:3,4; with what view all this ...

Eliphaz speaks of Job, and his afflicted condition, with tenderness; but charges him with weakness and faint-heartedness. Men make few allowances for those who have taught others. Even pious friends will count that only a touch which we feel as a wound.

4 Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling. 5 But now trouble has come upon you, and you are weary. It strikes you, and you are dismayed. 6 Is your reverence not your confidence, and the uprightness of your ways your hope? 7 Consider now, I plead: Who, being innocent, has ever perished?

CHAPTER 4. Eliphaz’s First Speech. 1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: 2 If someone attempts a word with you, would you mind? How can anyone refrain from speaking? 3 Look, you have instructed many, and made firm their feeble hands. 4 Your words have upheld the stumbler; you have strengthened faltering knees.