A Time to Keep Silent and a Time to SpeakSmakprov

Don't be too quick to judge another person “As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all. Oh that you would keep silent” (Job 13:4-5) The book of Job tells a poignant story about a faithful and righteous man who is overwhelmed by misfortune. He loses his wealth, his children and his health. This naturally raises the question: why does God allow this to happen? Job’s wife quickly draws her conclusion, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” (Job 2:9) Not exactly an empathetic or helpful advice! Three of Job's friends hear what happened and come to visit him. For a week they sit silently with him because his grief is so great that words fall short. Such a visit can be a great support! But after these seven days, the friends begin to talk, and then they know no end. They are convinced that Job must have sinned very badly to be punished so severely. No matter what Job says to defend himself, the friends stand firm in their judgment. Finally, Job exclaims in despair: “Oh that you would keep silent!” And at the end of the story, the Lord Himself says to one of these men, “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right.” (Job 42:7) Beware of hasty (theological) conclusions and harsh judgments! Such words do a lot of damage. Have you ever been hurt by someone else's insensitive and hasty judgment?