“Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will questions you, and you shall answer me.” Job 38:2-3 (Job 32-38:1-3)
Of all Job’s advisors, Eliphaz is the younger and the last to speak. He has politely differed to age and experience, but Job’s confident commitment to his defense, misread as bullheaded arrogance, has angered the court sages. This young, learned man spends many words telling how important and profound his insight is before he ever gets around to proclaiming that God’s actions are corrective, not punitive. His exhortation is six Biblical chapters long and when he is done, God speaks! (Read today’s scripture with a thunderous voice.)
Finding and placing blame is NOT synonymous with counsel or comfort. Blame always brings his best friend guilt to confront the offender, most likely the one already suffering. If guilt is provoked, he calls on his friends fear and anger. None of these characters are God’s desire for His children’s company. God’s loving arms bring only security, contentment and peace.
Job’s friends initially meant well. However, they got wrapped up in traditional thought patterns that made them comfortable, but had the potential to destroy their friend. They passed judgement to fill a silence. Shame on them! God doesn’t need our assistance in anything! But!!He asks us to love for and through Him. We hinder the work God is already doing when we attempt to play God with someone else’s heartache. Be a conduit of Grace, not an impeder or hindrance.
Love,
Gretchen