Bible Chapter: Job 15 & 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    As I read through the Bible in Connect2LIFE I use various translations.  I have read a few of them in these chapters and in looking at the New Living Translation I am struck by the opening verses of chapters 15 and 16. Here’s what they say.
    1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: 2 “A wise man wouldn’t answer with such empty talk! You are nothing but a windbag.
    1 Then Job spoke again: 2 “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are!
    This is a good illustration of what Job was going through during this extremely difficult trial.  His comforters continued to attack him.  Eliphaz said Job was trying to deceive them.  He was acting and trying to convince them how wise he was.  He basically called Job a wicked man.
    Job asked the why they weren’t trying to help and comfort him. It seemed as if both God and people were all against him.  His suffering and rejection continued.  These “comforters” seemed to only make the situation worse.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Job was calling for some comfort and encouragement.  His friends here felt the need to say something.  It was almost as if they were afraid of quiet and felt that they had to say something, even if it was wrong.  They acted as if they thought they were very wise.  They did a very poor job of helping this one who was in such deep grief.  We don’t always have to say something.  Sometimes just being there is the right thing to do.  Job asked them if their long winded hot air speeches would ever end.  That is not what a person going through loss needs to deal with.  In the process of giving comfort to someone, put yourself in their shoes.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Be available to help people when they need it.  Seek to understand the help they need and do your best to help them.  Don’t talk just to talk.