“To
him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend.” (v.14)
During Job’s time of grieving, his three friends came to mourn
with him and to comfort him. For the first 7 days they sat and wept with him
because he was in deep sorrow (Job 2:11-13). "No one spoke a word to him,
for they saw that his grief was very great" (v.13). Their presence alone was
a comfort to him.
But then they began to lecture. They told Job he must have
sinned and that God was punishing him (Job 4:7-9). When
Job was finally able to respond, he told his friends what he needed from them.
He asked for reasons to continue hoping (Job 6:11), for kindness (v.14), and
for words that did not presume guilt (vv.29-30).
It is no small matter when we open our mouths. When our words
are right, they can be a powerful force for good. But when they are wrong, they
work like deadly venom. Instead of being helpful, they are destructive. Rather
than building up our friends, our words can tear them down - A lesson I've learned from personal experience. Angry words, emotional
Therefore, be careful how you speak to others. Consider your
words before you say them. Especially in times of crisis, the right word can
bring healing and encouragement, while the wrong word can destroy your
relationship with another person. Be sensitive to God’s Spirit. Seek His
guidance before you express yourself. And ask God to set a guard over your
mouth to keep you from saying the wrong thing (Psalm 141:3). When
someone’s grieving - listen, show kindness, comfort, show your grief, but do not
lecture.
The
Truth: “Set a guard,
O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)
