After This

After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. He said [among other things]: “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” (Job 3:1-2, 11, NIV 1984).

My Musings – “After this” was after Job’s friends had sat with him in silence for seven days and nights. So, it was Job who broke the silence. So far, good for his friends. No “I know how you feel,” “hang in there buddy,” or “time heals all wounds.” Compared to such insensitive platitudes, “silence is golden.”

But now that Job had broken the silence, they saw their opportunity. “Who can keep from speaking? Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?” (Job 4:2-6, NIV 1984).

If this was all that they had said, assuming it was meant to bring firm yet gentle correction rather than evolve into self-righteous accusation, it was actually pretty sound advice. Unfortunately, things went south from there in terms of sound advice. As far as Job’s friends were concerned, all misfortune is the result of sin, Job was experiencing misfortune, therefore Job had sinned and needed to repent. In that context, which runs throughout the book of Job, and as affirmed by God’s strong words against these “friends,” it seems likely that “should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope,” was likely passive-aggressive sarcasm.

My Advice – Sometimes, correction is necessary. But it is not based upon assumptions of guilt, hearsay, or circumstantial “evidence.” Absent admission of guilt or the matter being established by two or more witnesses, what the three friends originally intended is what is needed – sympathy and comfort. In other words, “if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2, NIV 1984). I see two principles at work here.

Gentle restoration – Job was not “caught (established by two or three witnesses) in a sin.” If that had been the case, correction would have been necessary with the intent to “restore him gently.” Job’s friends were more intent on bringing harsh (not gentle) rebuke (not restoration) before a sin had been established.

Bearing burdens – Jesus was clear that we would encounter suffering in this world. It is not always due to unrepentant sin. As fellow believers, we are to be there for our brothers and sisters in Christ, doing what we can to help “carry each other’s burdens.” Just like physical burdens are more easily carried with the help of others, so our spiritual, mental and emotional burdens are easier to bear with the genuine sympathy and comfort of those we hold dear.

Both of these principles have a common denominator – to “ fulfill the law of Christ.” And what is this law? “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35, NIV 1984). If this is not clear, ask yourself, how did Jesus show His love for us? Do you think He bore any of our burdens when He carried that cross to Calvary? So, “as [He has] loved [us]…”