“How painful are honest words!” Job 6:25a

Job’s friends had mourned with him for seven days and nights, only to indict him with some unseen sin. His honest words confronted the accusing friends for the harshness of their message. Job had some words of his own:

“Now you too have proved to be of no help; you see something dreadful and are afraid.” (v.21)

The very ones who had come to console Job’s suffering actually added to his grief through their conversation. Job was a pitiful sight: emaciated by extreme weight loss with sores and scabs all over his body. His physical condition had gone through such an extreme change that Job’s friends were shocked at the sight of him, and Job called them out on it.

Job also challenged his friends to remember any time he had ever requested assistance or rescue (vv. 22 – 23). Of course, the answer was never. Yet, it was painfully obvious Job needed help… and they were not offering to be that help. They were only focused on the causality of Job’s life situation. To them, there HAD to be a misdeed by Job which brought God’s judgment upon him.

Honest words can be quite painful and Job admitted it. In other words, Job was attempting to speak the truth in love to his friends. Indeed, how painful are honest words! It isn’t easy to hold the mirror of truth to a friend, though it is possible. When confronting a friend, always do so in a spirit of love, letting her/him know you have her/his best interest at heart.

This passage teaches us to respond to the evidences of someone’s life during times of hardship. There are usually obvious signs which cannot be ignored. Often people will not reach out for assistance for not wanting to be labeled a ‘charity case’. Do you know someone who is skilled in his profession and out of work? Why not refer an employer to her/him? Are you aware of someone who has experienced a natural disaster (tornado, hurricane, fire, earthquake, etc.)? What efforts have you made to bring comfort and assistance to those who have had such a devastating loss?

During the seven days Job’s friends mourned with him, what actions did they take to help relieve Job’s suffering? There is no hint of any efforts they made to help their friend. Christian, we need not make that same mistake. Ask God to give you discernment on the condition of your friends (physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, etc.). Don’t wait to be asked. Instead, be proactive to be a part of the solution for your friend’s suffering.

Be the only Jesus s/he will ever see.

Have a blessed day…