Suffering is an inevitable mystery in human life. Like the waves that roll tirelessly, so too does grief sometimes strike without warning. In the midst of sorrow, the voices around us often sound diverse, some are encouraging, but some are blaming. Like Eliphaz who spoke to Job, it is not uncommon to find people who believe that suffering is the result of one's own mistakes. However, is that really the case?

Eliphaz, with his strong conviction, viewed suffering as a natural consequence of a life filled with human error. He said that fools will perish by their own foolishness, and the only way out is to seek God. But behind his wise words, there was a great mistake, he failed to see the depth of Job's suffering with a sensitive heart. Isn't true wisdom not only understanding the laws of life, but also having sincere compassion?

The verse we read shows Eliphaz's frankness and attack on Job. For Eliphaz, Job was so arrogant. If he felt he was being treated unfairly and felt he had objections, to whom should the objections be addressed? Fragile and mortal humans cannot argue with God, their Creator. According to Eliphaz, Job's attempt to argue with God was foolishness. With a sharp sarcasm as seen in verses 2-5, humans who ask God about the suffering they experience are like fools who no longer know their creator. In the end, God will add punishment to that person. Suffering comes from humans themselves, Eliphaz called out. Disasters and hardships are always caused by humans themselves. Meanwhile, those who seek God will be in a state of prosperity. Those who are arrogant and dwell on their own mindset and ways will find nothing. This is very different from what Job was fighting for. For Job, the suffering he experienced was not due to his own fault, but as a test of faith that he did not fully understand. Suffering can be a harsh teacher, but also a door to a deeper spiritual experience. So the deepest question is whether all suffering comes from humans and no event just happens without human cause. The stance of Eliphaz and Job actually also colors the journey of faith of believers throughout the ages. For those who believe in God, the presence of suffering will inevitably always be in dialogue with the existence of God Almighty and the creator of all things. The answer will indeed always be a mystery. However, only holding on to Eliphaz's understanding that in the end any suffering is the cause of human behavior can make us fall into judgment and transactional faith with God. We follow Him and submit to God only because we want blessings from Him and do not want to suffer. In fact, there are times when suffering comes without cause and far from human causes. Therefore, in suffering, the most important thing is to face Him in the steadfastness of faith with God. Relate to Him and steadfastness will become a necessity.