Title: Eliphaz Has Spoken / Topic: Condescending Comforter

Today’s Reading: Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10, 11

Scripture: Job 5:27

“We have examined this, and it is true.

So hear it and apply it to yourself.”

Observation: This is the conclusion of remarks made to Job by Eliphaz, one of the friends that came over to comfort Job. What strikes me here is the absolute surety that is expressed in all of what Eliphaz says as clearly reflected in these words: "We have examined this, and it is true." Case closed, end of story. Eliphaz has spoken. And, as if this is not audacious enough, he concludes with: "So hear it and apply it to yourself." Not only is what Eliphaz has said fully and incontrovertibly true, it is the exact prescription for what is wrong with Job. "Job, just take the prescription and that will fix you." It's quite arrogant and condescending, if you ask me.

Application: It seems to me that many Christians today are like Eliphaz, tending to have quick, sure answers to those who are hurting around them. But, like Eliphaz, many supposed answers are not real answers at all, but are clichés and formulas that can be hurtful or offensive and often miss the issue entirely. Job's friends started well by simply being with him in his misery. But once the advice started flowing, they stopped listening and slipped into counselor mode, giving Job their pat answers and really bringing more grief into his situation. This was the last thing Job needed.

I think we need two things in this regard, greater humility concerning the things of the invisible realm, and to become better listeners.

Prayer: Lord, keep me from becoming a condescending comforter to those who are hurting and need your help. May I be quick to hear and slow to speak. And help me to recognize that I "see through a glass darkly" concerning the things of your realm so that I don't assert my opinion ignorantly as if it is fact.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.