1.  Bildad describes Job's words as "a great wind".  Why is Bildad so quick to defend God's justice?

2.  Do the teachings of the past always take precedence over our own experience and insights (8:8-10)?  Were our ancestors always right?

3.  Job 11:1-6 - How would you react if you were suffering and your pastor or priest talked in this way to you?  Would you accept it as truth or how would you respond?

4.  Why has Elihu hesitated to speak?  What held him back?  Why does he finally decide to speak?

5.  What answers does Elihu give to Job?  How does he stand on the principle of retribution (that the just are rewarded and the unjust punished)?

6.  Generate a list of rules for comforters.  What should those who would like to comfort others do or not do.  Does it help a sufferer to be told it will be alright?

7.  Does the end of the book of Job (42:7-17) leave you satisfied?

8.  Who is the witness of redeemer that Job is hoping for?  What does he hope the redeemer will do?  Have you ever spoken on behalf of a friend who was maligned?

9.  Which do you feel is more important to the sufferer, a belief in life after death? . . . the removal of suffering in this life, . . . or vindication of the sufferer's life because someone stood up for the sufferer before God?

10. Have you ever longed for an explanation from God?  What can we do to find God when God seems absent?

11.  When we say we want a word from God are we looking for explanations or are we looking for an assurance of God's existence, compassion, and presence?  Which is more important?