Job 4:6 “Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?”
Again, as I struggle to make sense of Job, I do so by relating it to what I understand, which is not an entirely accurate way to approach Job, I am learning through additional study. However, Eliphaz, I sincerely believe, is trying to bring Job a measure of comfort. In doing so, he basically tells Job that surely he is being punished by God for some sin. Ouch.
Job 4:7 “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?”
But how many times have I, too, put my foot squarely in my mouth when trying to help or bring comfort? I am learning, instead, the beauty of presence. Just like no one could mitigate my grief with their words, I can’t either. And sometimes my words bring unintended pain. So I try to love through my presence. Like the friends did in the last chapter, I try to simply be there, so they know they are not alone.
Job 4:8 “As I have observed, those who plow evil and who sow trouble reap it.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the ability to come back to Your word again and again, to look and read and understand with new eyes. Help me, Lord, to comfort those who are grieving. Help me shine Your light in their darkness, reminding them that You are near and they are not alone. Draw me closer. Amen.
Job 4:9 “At the breath of God they perish; at the blast of His anger they are no more.”
Have a blessed day.