In the book of Job, I tend to think mostly of Job and how to respond like him when facing a tiny trial in my life. But while reading chapters 4 and 5, I find myself pondering his friend Eliphaz. Through Eliphaz, I am learning some great lessons. (I'm sure the same applies to Job's other friends too, it's just that I only finished chapter 5 this morning, so that's the example I'm using here).
Eliphaz was very eloquent in his speech toward Job. He brought out many truths. He spoke from his experience and observations. He attributed God with power. All these things sound great, but what Eliphaz was missing was the unseen work of God. This reminds me that when others are suffering, they don't need an eloquent speech from me (even if everything I say could be truth). God cannot be figured out.
Many times, what a suffering friend needs is just our support. The encouraging words "I love you and I'm here for you" are most of the time all that is needed. They don't need our "spiritual discernment" or "biblical theology." Leave those lessons up to God.
In other words, the biggest help we can offer is to keep our mouths shut!
Proverbs 17:28 - "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
Eliphaz was very eloquent in his speech toward Job. He brought out many truths. He spoke from his experience and observations. He attributed God with power. All these things sound great, but what Eliphaz was missing was the unseen work of God. This reminds me that when others are suffering, they don't need an eloquent speech from me (even if everything I say could be truth). God cannot be figured out.
Many times, what a suffering friend needs is just our support. The encouraging words "I love you and I'm here for you" are most of the time all that is needed. They don't need our "spiritual discernment" or "biblical theology." Leave those lessons up to God.
In other words, the biggest help we can offer is to keep our mouths shut!
Proverbs 17:28 - "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."