Job 4:5

But now. The situation has changed. Job can no longer take an objective attitude toward affliction. Personal experience is called upon to test the former theories.

Faintest. Or, “are wearied,” “are impatient” (see on v. 2).

Troubled. Or, “disturbed,” “dismayed,” “frightened.” Eliphaz makes a significant observation. People who endeavor to help others to bear their afflictions well should be an example of fortitude in trial. On the other hand, it is doubtful whether Job had ever had occasion to encourage a person whose condition was as serious as his own. Eliphaz seems to fail to recognize that in a few days Job had suffered more reverses than the average man is called upon to meet in a lifetime. To Eliphaz’ legal mind, trouble is trouble, and Job, who had lost all, is expected to meet his sorrow with the same fortitude as another man who, for example, might have lost one of his children.

But now. The situation has changed. Job can no longer take an objective attitude toward affliction. Personal experience is called upon to test the former theories.

Faintest. Or, “are wearied,” “are impatient” (see on v. 2).

Troubled. Or, “disturbed,” “dismayed,” “frightened.” Eliphaz makes a significant observation. People who endeavor to help others to bear their afflictions well should be an example of fortitude in trial. On the other hand, it is doubtful whether Job had ever had occasion to encourage a person whose condition was as serious as his own. Eliphaz seems to fail to recognize that in a few days Job had suffered more reverses than the average man is called upon to meet in a lifetime. To Eliphaz’ legal mind, trouble is trouble, and Job, who had lost all, is expected to meet his sorrow with the same fortitude as another man who, for example, might have lost one of his children.