January 20th

Job 5:1-7:21

One of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, offered his thoughts on Job’s suffering, blaming it on unconfessed sin in Job’s life. “Evil does not spring from the soil,” he said, “and trouble does not sprout from the earth. People are born for trouble as sparks fly up from a fire. My advice to you is to go to God and present your case to Him; then, you will live to a ripe old age. We have found from experience that all this is true. Listen to my counsel.” (Job 5:6-8, 26, 27).

Job said his friend’s words were of no help. His insensitivity made his situation worse, not better; besides, trouble is not always a result of sin, as we know from yesterday’s reading. Sometimes, Satan causes trouble for mankind. Thus, Job remarked, “One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you have accused me without the slightest fear of the Almighty. My brother, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks...” (6:14, 15).

When it comes to ministering to those in suffering or bereavement, words can be comforting and encouraging, but words can also be like daggers if not chosen carefully. Most of the time, those who are suffering, for one reason or another, don’t need words heaped on top of their misery. They would rather their friends remain silent than make things worse.

For the most part, suffering people just need a friend to sit and listen so that they can vent their frustration, their anger, or their sorrow. Just having company is oftentimes the best medicine. However, when one finds it necessary to speak to a suffering friend, discretion is the best path to take. It’s always better to provide words of comfort and sympathy rather than advice or criticism. Take care what you say, for a know-it-all friend is no friend at all.

Daily Reflection

What has meant most to you during times of suffering, sorrow, or grief?

What would you tell others to avoid doing or saying when you are suffering?

Have you ever had a chance to comfort others in their need? What did you do?

 “Pleasant words are like honey, sweet to the soul, healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

BiAY.org | Daily Reflections Day 20 — 345 Days to Go