Minute in the Word
“When Saying Nothing is Best”
Behold, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it. What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God. As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all. Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!
Job 13.1-5 ESV
TODAY’S BIBLE READING: Job 10-13
In today's Bible reading, Job is in the midst of a conversation with three friends who have come to comfort and console him in his distress. While there, two of them, Eliphaz and Zophar make the argument that Job's condition has been brought on by sin. Zophar's comments in chapter 11 are especially arrogant and condescending. After patiently listening, Job replies that it would have been more of a comfort to him had they just kept silent. While the principles his friends spoke of were right, they did not apply to Job's circumstances. Zophar's desire to help actually turned into a hindrance. We must understand and apply an important concept found here. When others are hurting and going through bad circumstances, sometimes the wisest thing we can do is say nothing. And if we must say something, it should be done carefully and compassionately. Arrogance, quick assumptions that lead to judging, and harshness are never justified. We need to be careful in the way we handle those who are hurting, lest we become a source of discouragement rather than encouragement. Strive to excel in building up the church, 1 Corinthians 14.12.
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