Week 5: A Look at Job's Friends

At first, it’s easy to be hard on Job’s friends. There is absolutely reason to doubt their friendship. However, there is also the possibility of us being filled with the same pride that clouded their judgment if we make the assumption that we are any better. Thinking back on times in my own life, attitudes that I’ve had, other Christians that I’ve known, I see this same attitude evident. What’s so frustrating about these friends is that they really do sound wise. What’s so sad is that they sincerely believe they are speaking on behalf of God. There are a couple of truths that just keep resounding with me as I study this book and examine these friends.  Let’s first look at their thought process; why they were to be able to make such claims and accusations. These men had good intentions. I do not believe that they were trying to betray Job. They honestly believed that they understood suffering and thought were speaking truth to Job. I don’t think that they were being arrogant. I think that their limited knowledge clouded their awareness of their lack of knowledge. Further, their words seemed wise and religious. They sounded logical. Here was the problem, though. They began to speak what they believed without stopping to consult God about it first. We can think we believe the truth with deepest sincerity, but that does not make it true. Before we begin to spout off the wisdom we think we posses, we must stop to evaluate. What I’ve learned by reading this book is that I know nothing. Before I speak anything to anyone, I better stop and seek God first. Something that God has been teaching me in my own life is that I just might be wrong. It is so crucial to constantly keep a teachable heart. I am amazed at how right these men thought that they were; and I don’t mean that in a negative way. How many times have I been in the same place? I pray that I learn to come to God with a humble heart that says, “Father, I really believe this. I really think I understand this. I really think this is what this person needs to hear. But, Father, I know I may be wrong.” We must keep a constant awareness that we are not nearly as wise as we’d like to think. As the created, not the Creator, our wisdom and perspective and understanding is so limited. Reading this book makes me realize the importance of what Paul said to the church of Philippi when he said, “Do not think more highly of yourselves than you ought.” Thankfully, God graciously gives wisdom to us when we seek Him. That’s just the key, though. These three friends began speaking rather than praying. Not one time did they actually ask God before they began to speak on behalf of God. The reading tells us that they sat in silence for a week before they began to speak to Job. I imagine they were doing what I so often am guilty of doing; they let their minds start rolling, stewing, building up these grand speeches and discourses rather than simply seeking God on behalf of their friend. May we come to a place of spiritual maturity where our desire is to seek God rather than just be right. Being religious and wise in our own opinion is one of the greatest ways Satan blinds us and keeps us from growing. Today has seemed like much rambling but to simply list what we can learn: 1. Accept my limited understanding; 2. Admit that I don’t have it all figured out;  3. Ask God before speaking.