Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. Their intentions to comfort Job about his misfortunes, often turned into accusations and arguments. Friends and family are very important to have around indeed, but often times when they try to give advise or help you, it just turns into arguments and resentments. Often times, the best thing one can do is just provide support, comfort and listen. At the end of the day, the troubles we go through can ONLY be solved between yourself and our Creator.

The friends:

• Eliphaz the Temanite: He is often seen as the most moderate of the three friends, though he still engages in accusing Job.
• Bildad the Shuhite: Bildad is known for his reliance on tradition and past generations, often quoting ancient wisdom.
• Zophar the Naamathite: Zophar is the most harsh and judgmental of the three friends, quick to condemn Job.

Their interactions with Job, particularly their speeches, form a significant part of the Jobs’ exploration of the reason for suffering and divine justice. However words, especially well-intentioned, can even exacerbate the feelings of isolation and despair.

Job 16:2 “I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What disturbs you that you keep on answering me? I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved;

The three friends also represent the following:

• Eliphaz the Temanite is the symbol of human experience or history.
• Bildad the Shuhite is the symbol of human tradition or philosophy.
• Zophar the Naamathite is the symbol of human merit or moral law.