Read: Job 14-16
Focus Verse: “Then Job replied: ‘I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing? I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.” (Job 16:1-5).
Devotion: Yet another friend of Job approaches to bash Job. Basically the argument is, Evil people suffer, therefore you’re at least at fault, if not evil yourself. As Forrest Gump’s mom said, ‘stupid is what stupid does’. Cause and effect seem to be their point. But think about it, even if they are right—which we know they aren’t—their words are only making it worse and do the opposite of comforting Job. Even with being right I believe Job is willing to set himself and his beliefs aside to seek encouragement first. “But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.” (16:5). Are we more worried about proving our point and being right opposed to encouraging, comforting, and uplifting others? Christlike humility is knowing when to put myself aside so I can be of comfort to others.
Pray: LORD remind me I DON’T have all the answers, and Your love requires me to place comfort/encouragement above being right. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)