Job 18:3

Job 18:3 captures Bildad the Shuhite's frustrated and indignant response to Job's persistent self-defense and critiques of his friends' wisdom. Bildad feels that Job and his companions are being dismissed as irrational and contemptible.

Context

This verse is part of Bildad's second speech (Job 18), where he continues to uphold the traditional doctrine that suffering is a direct result of sin. Bildad, along with Eliphaz and Zophar, believes Job's immense suffering proves his wickedness. In previous chapters, Job has lashed out at his friends, accusing them of being "miserable comforters" (Job 16:2) and implying their wisdom is shallow. Bildad's words in Job 18:3 are a direct retort, expressing his exasperation that Job treats their counsel as senseless, essentially reducing them to the level of animals lacking understanding, and holding them in utter contempt.

Key Themes

• Misunderstanding and Indignation: Bildad feels profoundly misunderstood and insulted by Job. He perceives Job's words as a personal attack on their intelligence and dignity.
• The Nature of Wisdom: The friends are convinced they possess true wisdom rooted in tradition and observation, which dictates that the wicked inevitably suffer. They are offended that Job seems to disregard this established truth.
• Dignity vs. Degradation: Bildad protests being "counted as beasts" and "reputed vile," highlighting a deep sense of degradation. He believes Job is stripping them of their human reason and moral standing.
• Accusation and Retort: This verse serves as a sharp accusation back at Job, turning Job's own earlier rhetorical questions (such as asking his friends to "ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee" in Job 12:7) against him, implying Job is now treating *them* like beasts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "beasts" is behema (בְּהֵמָה), commonly referring to domesticated animals or cattle, implying a creature without reason or moral discernment. To be counted as such is to be stripped of one's humanity and intellectual capacity. The phrase "reputed vile" comes from a word related to defilement or impurity (from the root טָמֵא - ṭāmēʾ), suggesting that they are considered contemptible, worthless, or morally repugnant in Job's eyes. It underscores the depth of Bildad's feeling of being scorned and dismissed.

Practical Application

Job 18:3 serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges in human communication, especially during conflict or suffering. It highlights:

• The Pain of Being Misunderstood: Just as Bildad felt his wisdom and identity were being devalued, we can often feel hurt when our intentions or words are misinterpreted or dismissed.
• The Danger of Rash Judgment: Bildad's reaction, while understandable, also shows the tendency to react defensively and accusatorily when feeling attacked, rather than seeking deeper understanding or empathy.
• The Importance of Respectful Dialogue: Even in disagreement, maintaining respect for another's dignity and intelligence is crucial. When we "count others as beasts" or "repute them vile," we shut down meaningful conversation and perpetuate cycles of blame and resentment, as seen throughout the book of Job.