I have often heard such things as these: you are all troublesome comforters.
שָׁמַ֣עְתִּי כְאֵ֣לֶּה רַבּ֑וֹת מְנַחֲמֵ֖י עָמָ֣ל כֻּלְּכֶֽם׃
7 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Eliphaz communicates as though he is sharing a significant tale, recounting a story from ages past, while Job addresses the situation from a distant perspective. He asks, "Is not what you have said obvious?" Job expresses that Eliphaz speaks thoughtlessly, expressing fleeting thoughts without careful consideration. Thus, he urges not to be troubled if he chooses to share the feelings that lie within his heart.
There are truly compassionate friends, whom he calls ‘miserable comforters,’ who fail to offer healing. They observe his anguish but, lacking understanding of the purpose behind suffering, interpret his affliction not as a trial of character but as a consequence of wrongdoing. They not only dwell on his pain in their minds but even feel emboldened to blame him for his misfortunes. In reality, it would have been more fitting to comfort him with supportive words if Job's suffering had indeed stemmed from his sins.
My friends and adversaries have turned against me, as expressed in the phrase Aduersum me (Greek έξ έναντίας), meaning enmity towards me; refer to the Psalms. Those who seek my downfall employ force, and those who wish me harm speak emptiness, plotting deceit throughout the day. Yet, I remain like a deaf man who does not hear and like a mute man who does not speak; I have become like one who hears nothing and has no reprimand on his lips (Psalm 37:12-15). I seek to understand those who expertly interpret these passages. It seems to me that in the initial verse lies the Lord's message that during trials, one’s adversaries can even include family members (Matt. 10:36). King David candidly shares his pain and anguish.
This disclosure reflects genuine agony from the depths of the heart, as he recounts everything that deeply wounds his spirit and the bitter malice from those closest to him. The prophet laments intensely that he is assailed by friends and kin who should have been his allies rather than foes. David’s sorrow resonates with that of St. Job, who rebuked his three companions, branding them “miserable comforters,” for their visits, meant to offer solace, only compounded his suffering. Such situations are ones we must also guard against! True consolation should be gentle, aiming to alleviate pain and comfort sorrow, rather than inciting distress. Even in physical healing, soothing treatments are more beneficial for inflamed injuries as they ease discomfort: wounds require gentle care first before any cutting can occur, lest further pain ensue. We should, therefore, be cautious of trivial and superficial comments when offering comfort! Job remained silent for a week, as did his friends; they spoke only when Job, in anguish, cried out. It is essential to choose the right moment to speak, so that our comfort does not unintentionally inflict pain. Silence can be healing, whereas rash words can cause more harm. Why be surprised if one who has suffered is wounded further by another? Is it not a folly to speak excessively? (See Proverbs 10:19; 29:20). If a doctor waits for the appropriate time to treat patients whose ailments are not yet severe, allowing for recovery with the right medicine, how much more should we be mindful of the suitability and calming nature of our words, designed to alleviate rather than exacerbate sorrow! The intensity of grief can be crushing, as seen in the heart of a grieving woman mourning her spouse or children who have departed too soon. Patience is essential; she may not be able to hear you until the pain eases! Often, we witness disputes emerging from such attempts at consolation. We approach to mourn with her, not to argue or quarrel. We should select our words wisely to avoid sinning before God in our desire to provide comfort. Refrain from saying, “Listen to this,” or other superfluous remarks, lest you hear in response, “Listen, you miserable comforters” (Job 16:2). Do not complicate another's sorrow with incessant chatter and debates! Come when appropriate, and avoid approaching if your words are harsh. Let the lesson from St. Job resonate: “Heavy trials have come upon me, surrounding me; my brothers have turned away from me, and strangers have become closer than I. My friends have shown no mercy” (Job 19:12-13). The same sentiments echo in the heart of the holy prophet David, who mourns that his friends have become adversaries and that his beloved have abandoned him.
You serve as sources of consolation, yet your approach is harsh. Your words do not uplift; instead, they bring harm. Though you may offer guidance, you fail to provide a path to escape suffering, only compounding the burdens already present. Rather than helping to calm the turmoil, you incite further discord in the world.
HISTORICAL AND ALLEGORICAL EXPLANATION
It is a curious tendency for the wicked to malign the righteous by attributing to them the very faults they themselves possess, especially before the virtuous are able to rightfully rebuke them. Fearing exposure for their misdeeds, they rush to claim that the righteous, who endure their presence, are guilty of the same shortcomings. Holy individuals patiently endure accusations of actions they do not recall committing, well aware that the sins they are blamed for are actually those of their accusers. When preaching proves ineffective in correcting such errors, they bear the weight of these evils, hoping that through their long-suffering, they might eventually win over the very ones who oppose them.
Consequently, the Holy Church expresses through the words of the psalmist David, “Sinners have ploughed on my back,” for in her effort to uplift heretics and others who stray from the truth, she bears the burden of their sins. Similarly, blessed Job recognized that Eliphaz, his companion, spoke against him with insincerity, revealing bitterness rather than offering true comfort. Job’s patience exemplifies the nature of the Church, which endures such trials by listening in hopes of finding a reasoned response to counter false accusations. Thus, he declares, “I have heard many such things” (Job 16:2).
The elect often encounter falsehoods from others as if they had personally offended them, while the genuinely guilty shift blame onto the innocent. In his response, blessed Job signifies those moments in the Church’s life when, under the weight of her adversaries, she appears to be bowing under worldly oppression. Therefore, he refers to them as "aggravating comforters," addressing both heretics and other wicked individuals who, upon seeing a good worker suffering, attempt to provide solace by planting deceitful thoughts. Their false consolation becomes a source of distress for the righteous as they disguise destructive ideas within soothing expressions, only to heap upon them the burden of sin.
However, the elect, though stripped of earthly acclaim, maintain a firm inner discernment. They learn to endure the external challenges with grace, not allowing them to weaken their resolve to uphold righteousness. Thus, Job adds:
These comforters, believing they are offering solace in times of trial, instead create further distress through their deceptive reassurances.
In a similar fashion to Eliphaz's frustration over Job's refusal to confess guilt for his afflictions, Job vehemently disputes the unfounded doubts cast by his companions. He demonstrates that they fail to grasp the reasons behind his lamentations, as they lack an understanding of his deep suffering (16:1-5). As Job recounts his anguish, he attributes the source of his pain to the Lord (b-1b), yet he finds no wrongdoing within himself. He calls upon the earth, to which he is destined to return, and God, who possesses all knowledge, as witnesses to his righteousness (17-21).
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS