August 24

Worthless Physicians

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 92:1-8 | Job 12:1 – 15:35 | 1 Corinthians 15:29-58 | Proverbs 21:30-31

Today’s Scripture Focus: Job 12-15

“You are worthless physicians, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom” (Job 13:55 NIV).

Too many words spoken too soon. Too many cliches. Not enough answers. Job needed some friends to be there for him. But the counsel he got didn’t seem to bring any relief from the pain he was feeling. The words seemed empty and false.

When we see a friend in pain, we are often quick to spout cliches. Yet these are the very times we would usually do well to just be there and to be a good listener. James tells us to be slow to speak and quick to listen. That’s good advice.

When we rush in with words, we usually fail to appreciate the true situation and often our words ring hollow. Even when the words are true, the one who needs comfort may not be in a place to hear them just yet. We do well to listen and understand. We do well to allow the suffering person to vent their feelings and frustrations. We do well to just be there.

Job’s friends rushed in with words before really understanding the situation. Their words didn’t bring the needed healing and only seemed to bring additional frustration.

Father, help me to encourage others. Help me to discern when a word would help. In all cases, let me be there, fully present. Amen.