We are introduced to Job's friends in chapter 2. When they heard of Job's misfortune, they decided to go to Job, "and sympathize with him and comfort him." We applaud their efforts. Like Job, we have friends with good intentions of helping, but sometimes they're not really helping.Eliphaz (Job's friend), is expounding truths to Job. What he is saying is correct. There is only one slight problem here. It didn't apply to what Job was going through.

On occasion I will have someone come to me and say, "I have a question to ask you." I respond, "Great, I have and answer. You ask your question and I'll give my answer and we'll see if they match." One of the more humbling experiences that I have as a pastor is when someone going through a difficult situation comes to me and I have absolutely no answer for them. The clichés are spinning through my mind. But I know that is not what they need from me. I have also learned that there are times when people come to talk to me and they know that I will not have an answer. They just need someone to listen to them.

God, give me the wisdom to know when to speak and what to speak. Also grant me the discernment when I simply need to listen. Amen.

Steve Spearing