Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Job+006
CHAPTER 6 (ESV)
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 “Oh that my vexation were weighed,
and all my calamity laid in the balances!
3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea;
therefore my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me;
my spirit drinks their poison;
the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass,
or the ox low over his fodder?
6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt,
or is there any taste in the juice of the mallow?
7 My appetite refuses to touch them;
they are as food that is loathsome to me….
24 “Teach me, and I will be silent;
make me understand how I have gone astray.
25 How forceful are upright words!
But what does reproof from you reprove?
26 Do you think that you can reprove words,
when the speech of a despairing man is wind?
27 You would even cast lots over the fatherless,
and bargain over your friend.
28 “But now, be pleased to look at me,
for I will not lie to your face.
29 Please turn; let no injustice be done.
Turn now; my vindication is at stake.
30 Is there any injustice on my tongue?
Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity?
REFLECTION:
- Job said that Eliphaz’s advice was like the tasteless juice of the mallow. After people experienced severe trial, useless advice is a disaster to them. They may listen due to curtesy but their heart is still full of sorrow and does not have comfort at all. Don’t rush to give advice to people who are hurt for they often need mercy more than advice.
- Job mentioned his righteousness not because he was sinless but because he had a right relationship with God. Job did not commit the sins his friends accused him. Righteousness does not mean sinless because only Jesus is sinless. At the end of the Book of Job we see that even Job needs to change his attitude to God. Nevertheless Job was still a sinner. He carefully tried his best to obey God in various areas of his life. We should be like Job and obey God with a humble heart, be a righteous person and develop a deeper relationship with God.
PRAYER:
God, please help me to be more empathetic towards others’ situations and not to rush to give advice to those who are hurting. Grant me more compassion and love to weep with those who weep. I also pray that You help me learn from the example of Job, to submit to You with a humble heart and to be a righteous person who does not forsake Your ways even in times of difficulty and adversity.
HYMN:
Our God Saves – www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUOgVl0KuFI
