‘You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!’ Job 13:4 (NIV).
Job argued with his friends that they had completely misunderstood the reason for his suffering. Like an obstetrician performing open-heart surgery, they had no idea what they were saying or doing. Many of their ideas about God were true, but they did not apply to Job’s situation. They were right to say that God is just. They were right to say God punishes sin. But they were wrong to assume that Job’s suffering was a just punishment for his sin.
Like Job’s friends, we too can take a principle in Scripture and misapply it to someone’s situation and presume that we know what the cause of their distress is. Like Job’s friends, we can be narrow-minded and incorrect, thus causing even more pain and discomfort with our misguided advice. We ought to be sensitive to the vast differences in people’s circumstances before we open our mouths and apply true principles in the wrong context.
We must not be quick to judge a situation by the external appearance only. Job’s friends, saw his suffering and loss and presumed that Job had sinned. Yet this is not true. Jesus warned his followers to ‘stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment’ (John 7:24). And again, in Galatians 2:6 Paul states that ‘God does not judge by external appearance.’ As followers of our Father, neither should we.
Prayer:
‘Heavenly Father, help me to consider what is wise and helpful before I open my mouth to speak what I think is right and true. I want to be able to sit with others in their pain and time of need, rather than try to fix them with my words. Thank you.’
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
AMEN!
Enjoyed This Post? Please Help Us To Share It With More People!
Final Thoughts:
Furthermore, we must be slow to speak. Proverbs 10:19 reminds us that, ‘When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.’ Rather than rush heedlessly into a situation and state what is on our mind, best to reconsider our words, if they are true in someone’s circumstances and if they are helpful.
If not, we ought to be silent. Unlike Job’s friends, let’s employ caution and compassion in how we apply Biblical truths to those undergoing trouble and trials.
Be Greatly Blessed!
Enjoyed This Post? Please Help Us To Share It With More People!