Like Eliphaz, Bildad the Shuhite thought Job's suffering was God's punishment (see study note on 2:11; 8:3–6, 13; compare 4:7–8; 5:2–3). Bildad respected the wisdom of the past and spoke to Job with both advice and encouragement (8:8–10; compare 4:7; 8:3–6, 8–10; compare 4:12–21; 5:9–16; 8:5–7, 20–22; compare 4:6; 5:19–26). He suggested that Job should stop complaining. Bildad advised Job to "ask the Almighty for mercy" and let God's justice restore him (8:1–7).