The Difference Between Job And His “So-Called Friends….

The difference between Job and his so-called “friends” is Job’s wisdom was based on knowledge of God and his experience with Him. Job’s friends seemed to be all about knowledge only. Christianity is different from all other religions in so many ways, but one of the biggest is it’s personal. When you experience God personally, it changes you forever. It makes us more aware of others’ sufferings, celebrations, and significance. Instead of pointing out the knowledge of God, we are to put that knowledge of Him into action. And that’s only possible when you know Him personally. You can only pretend for so long, after a while, you can’t continue to fool yourself. A sure sign of a transformed life is how we respond to suffering. Job’s three friends failed miserably. Job himself said if they were in his shoes, he’d be trying to comfort them (taking away his grief) instead of pounding the sin out of him. Pray before you go to visit a suffering soul. God will give you what you need to help the healing process. Truth wrapped in love is always the right choice. Sometimes it means saying the right thing at the right time. And other times it just means your silent presence is enough.

1 Then Job spoke again: 2 “I have heard all this before.What miserable comforters you are!3 Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air?What makes you keep on talking?4 I could say the same things if you were in my place.I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.5 But if it were me, I would encourage you.I would try to take away your grief.6 Instead, I suffer if I defend myself,and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak. Job 16:1-6