Job Chapter 16: Verses 3-5 (NLT Version)
“Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air?
What makes you keep on talking?
I could say the same things if you were in my place.
I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.
But if you were me, I would encourage you.
I would try to take away your grief.
Job is, quite rightly I think, becoming exasperated with the so-called advice from his friends. It was of no comfort to him. When we offer advice to others, particularly if they are going through difficulties, we need to be aware and sensitive about how much we say and the way that we say it. We may actually have the best of intentions and still end up putting our foot in it. When we want to be of help in this way, we need to ask God for wisdom to know what, if anything, we should say.
God tells us in Thessalonians to “…encourage each other and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT Version.) The difference that a proper word of encouragement can make to someone should never be underestimated. Far better for someone who is struggling than criticism like Job was receiving from his friends.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the encouragement and support that You offer me. Even when I struggle, You never condemn me. Help me to think before I speak, especially when I am trying to give advice to others. Teach me to be led by the prompting of Your Holy Spirit.
I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.