Job 25-26
In this post, Job is still suffering and unhappy with the “support” his friends offer. Bildad uses God’s name and power as a means to judge Job. We also explore the teachings and hypocrisy of disgraced Doug Phillips and how using scripture as a source of control and judgment is not in line with Jesus’ example.
Summary
Bildad reiterates how powerful God is and that He should be honored. Bildad asserts that no human can be all good before God or pure in His sight (man is “maggot” and “worm”), noting that even the heavenly beings are not perfect compared to God.
Job criticizes his friends for their lack of real help, suggesting that their words offer no true comfort or wisdom. He then shifts to a powerful description of God’s greatness, recounting how God stretches out the heavens, stills the sea, and controls the natural world. Job acknowledges that these are only the “outskirts of his ways,” and that humanity can barely comprehend the true extent of His power.
Sidebar
The Book of Job has been a long story showcasing Job’s unfair suffering. Excitingly, we are finally approaching the end of this book. In this reading, Bildad responds for the last time; and clearly Job does not find it helpful. He is still judging Job for sinning, when we know from earlier readings that Job did not sin. His friends just do not believe him. Bildad reduces human worth to “worms” and “maggots.” Those descriptors lack dignity and respect. Although it is true that God is so powerful, this truth is being used as a weapon, not wisdom.
In today’s world, we often see people use scripture or moral principles to judge rather than uplift. Jesus taught that everything should be based on two commands: loving God and loving others. Any use of scripture that contradicts this principle misses the point. Ignoring the spirit of love and using literal scripture or cherry-picking is harmful. The lessons in the Bible are not meant to be harmful; they are meant to be healing.
Douglas “Doug” Phillips was a prominent figure in conservative Christian homeschooling circles and led Vision Forum Ministries. His teachings emphasized a rigid form of biblical patriarchy, including beliefs that:
- Women should not pursue higher education.
- Daughters should remain under their father’s authority until marriage.
- Women’s primary role was in the home, serving husbands and raising children.
- If men cheated, there was no other option for women. In fact, women could be to blame – for either being a temptation or in the case of the innocent wife, she let herself go.
In October 2013, Phillips resigned from Vision Form, following revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a young woman. This young woman had worked closely with his family and ministry. This is a textbook example of scripture being used to judge rather than love. Phillips’ teachings didn’t just misrepresent biblical womanhood—they created environments where control was mistaken for holiness.
Intention
If you have something to say or advise, tell the truth – but remember to come from a place of grace, love, and compassion. Jesus spoke to people, including women, with dignity and respect. Let’s try that today! Actually, let’s try that every day!!
