Job 18:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It appears that Bildad does not take Job into consideration when he forms his judgments; the reasoning in his statements seems to escape Job, regardless of how powerfully Bildad articulates his thoughts or the direction his arguments take him. Despite the adversities he faces, Job remains resolute. As Job perceives the growing strength of his adversaries, his own resolve intensifies. The more he witnesses the rise in number of those who malign him, the more invigorated he becomes to advocate for the truth. Job's discovery of truth is not purely driven by passion; it is also a reflection of his inner strength. Unfortunately, Bildad fails to recognize this, leading him to question when Job will cease such discourse.

Are we then considered animals and seen as detestable in your eyes? Job 18:3. It is inherent in human nature to believe that the actions one takes also reflect upon oneself. Consequently, those who typically disdain the righteous believe they are themselves looked down upon. While the Church clearly condemns heretics as lacking reason, these individuals mistakenly assume that the Church views them as ‘beasts.’ Based on their belief of being scorned, they construct their own contempt and direct their misinterpretations at the Church. Therefore, he continues:

Job's rebuke of his companions for their illogical arguments angers one of them, Baldad. In response, he harshly confronts Job, using Job's own proclamation of impending death as a strong indication of his moral failure. The established order of creation demonstrates that the wicked, faced with adversities, are not spared; rather, they meet their end through death.