Read Job 20:1—21:6
Listen carefully to my words; let this be the consolation you give
me.
Job 21:2
Listen to Job’s appeal to his friends that they try to understand how
he feels. “If you really want to console me, just keep quiet and listen”
(v. 2, author’s paraphrase). The Greek philosopher Zeno said, “The
reason why we have two ears and only one mouth is that we may listen
the more and talk the less.” The friends thought their words would
encourage Job, but he said that their silence would encourage him
even more (13:13).
Job pointed out that his complaint was not against people but
against God. People had not caused his afflictions, and people could
not take them away. If he was impatient, it was because God had not
answered him (21:3–4). The longer God waited, the worse Job’s situation became. “Look at me and be astonished; clap your hand over
your mouth” (v. 5).
As Job contemplated what he was about to say, it stirred him to
the depths (v. 6). This was no speech from “off the top of his head,”
for it had to do with the basic facts of life and death. If Job’s friends
were in his situation, they would see things differently and say things
differently.
Something to Ponder
How can you show more empathy the next time you are in a position
to advise or console someone?