In this chapter, Job’s friend, Eliphaz, provides him with some constructive criticism. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied to Job: “Will you be patient and let me say a word? For who could keep from speaking out?
“In the past you have encouraged many a troubled soul to trust in God; you have supported those who were weak. Your words have strengthened the fallen; you steadied those who wavered. But now when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken. Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn’t you believe that God will care for those who are upright? (Wow...Eliphaz is speaking the truth. We often give good spiritual counsel to others in difficult times, but fail to act on that same counsel when the difficult times pertain to us.)
“Stop and think! Does the innocent person perish? When has the upright person been destroyed? My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same. They perish by a breath from God. They vanish in a blast of his anger. Though they are fierce young lions, they will all be broken and destroyed. The fierce lion will starve, and the cubs of the lioness will be scattered.
“This truth was given me in secret, as though whispered in my ear. It came in a vision at night as others slept. Fear gripped me; I trembled and shook with terror. A spirit swept past my face. Its wind sent shivers up my spine. It stopped, but I couldn’t see its shape. There was a form before my eyes, and a hushed voice said, ‘Can a mortal be just and upright before God? Can a person be pure before the Creator?’
“If God cannot trust his own angels and has charged some of them with folly, how much less will he trust those made of clay! Their foundation is dust, and they are crushed as easily as moths. They are alive in the morning, but by evening they are dead, gone forever without a trace. Their tent collapses; they die in ignorance.” (Job 4)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us stand on your Word at all times, especially in times of uncertainty, doubt, pain, and suffering. And help us, always, practice what we preach. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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