Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu initially did not speak a word to Job. His suffering was too great. They remained silent for a week. But once they started speaking, telling Job what they really thought, Job probably wished they had remained silent. From their speeches, we see that for them the reason for suffering is very simple. You reap what you sow. You get out of life what you put into it. You are responsible for your actions and suffering is a consequence of your actions. The implication is that Job has sinned. This principle is partly right, but also partly wrong. Not all suffering is because of sin. Elihu touched on this when he told Job that God always has a purpose in our suffering. Remember, it could be for our good, others gain, and for His glory.