Read Job 4—5
Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: “If someone ventures a
word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from
speaking?”
Job 4:1–2
Job’s friends were silent for seven days (2:13), and Job later wished
they had stayed that way (13:5). Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered
Job. Did he answer the pain in Job’s heart? No, he answered the words
from Job’s lips. A wise counselor and comforter must listen with the
heart and respond to feelings as well as to words. We do not heal a
broken heart with logic; we heal a broken heart with love.
Eliphaz’s approach started out positive, even gentle, but it was
only honey to prepare Job for the bitterness that would follow. “Don’t
get upset, Job!” is what he said.
We must never underestimate the power of words to encourage
people. James Moffatt translates Job 4:4, “Your words have kept men
on their feet.” The right words spoken at the right time and with the
right motive can make a tremendous difference in the lives of others.
Our words can nourish those who are weak and encourage those who
are defeated. But our words can also hurt those who are broken, so we
must be careful what we say and how we say it.
Something to Ponder
When have you felt that you had the right words, at the right time,
and with the right motive—and helped or comforted someone?