Job 4:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered
and said: 2 "If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But
who can withhold himself from speaking? 3 Surely you have instructed many, And
you have strengthened weak hands. 4 Your words have upheld him who was
stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees; 5 But now it comes upon
you, and you are weary; It touches you, and you are troubled. 6 Is not your
reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope?
Enter Eliphaz. He’s one of Job’s friends and I really
appreciate the way he begins his conversation. He has patiently
listened to Job’s complaint and now he feels compelled to respond. After all,
his friend sounds very despondent….almost suicidal….”who can withhold
himself from speaking?” in such a situation.
He starts out with, “can I just say something here?
Will you give ear to what I have to say?” Then he recounts the history of Job’s
dealings with others, and it’s impressive! Job has instructed many others with words of wisdom. (This is very
likely the wisdom of following God and His ways.) His words have kept many from
stumbling. (the Law) He has strengthened feeble knees, (the Gospel)
Like I said….a great start in this conversation as he
reminds Job of all the good he has done, but then it begins to head south.
There must be a better way to handle this. We might rephrase Eliphaz’s remarks
like this.
“ You were so awesome in guiding others through their
troubles, but when trouble comes upon you, you forget your own advice!” “Physician,
heal thyself!” (Luke 4:23)
Then it gets worse! Eliphaz throws a biting accusation
at his friend. “You were relying on your personal piety and integrity to escape
any tribulation in your life.” How’s that working for you now?”
He continues: Job 4:7 "Remember now, who ever
perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? 8 Even as I have seen, Those who plow iniquity
And sow trouble reap the same. 9 By the
blast of God they perish, And by the breath of His anger they are consumed.”
In other words, “There must be some sin in your life
Job, because God never allows such trials to the righteous.”
Bad theology to say the least, and terrible bedside
manner to the hurting. It’s too bad Eliphaz didn’t have the Scriptures, he could’ve
gone to Isa 43:1,2 and comforted his friend with those words, rather than cast doubt
on Job’s faith in God!
“But now, thus says the LORD, who created
you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have
redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass
through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not
overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor
shall the flame scorch you.”
What words would you rather hear in your calamity? “There
must be some unconfessed sin in your life?” Or “God knows your situation and HE
will walk you through this. He loves you and you matter to Him.”
This is a good lesson for us all. When ministering to
a hurting brother or sister, break out your Bible and quote God’s words of
comfort, rather than the oft misguided words of your flesh!
God’s Word has clout. The Holy Spirit is in it and it
is living and powerful: Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and
spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart.
Words matter and the unredeemed will have to answer
for their careless words on the Last Day! Mt 12:36 "But I say to you
that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day
of judgment.
No comments :
Post a Comment