Job 21

“Listen closely to what I am saying. That’s one consolation you can give me. Bear with me, and let me speak. After I have spoken, you may resume mocking me.” (Job 21:2–3, NLT)

When someone is sick or suffering, we don’t always know what to say. We want to say something to help them but struggle finding the right words. What is it that the suffering person needs? Job tells us what he wants from his three friends.

First, if they want to console him, then the best thing they can do is to listen to him. Last night after coming home from a prayer meeting, it was late, and I knew that I had to write this devotional. My wife wanted to talk to me about conversations she had during the day. So I sat down on the couch and listened. When I finally got up to go to my office, she thanked me for taking the time to sit and hear her out. Now she wasn’t suffering, but it spoke to me about the comfort we can give by simply being a good listener.

Second, they should bear with him when he speaks. That means being slow to pass judgment or give advice. Think how long God bears with us, listening to our complaining, and yet is slow to anger and slow to judge. We also should bear with the words and weaknesses of others. Sometimes people need to vent. Let them know that you are a safe place. But at the right time direct them to the right course of action.

“My complaint is with God, not with people. I have good reason to be so impatient. Look at me and be stunned. Put your hand over your mouth in shock.” (Job 21:4–5, NLT)

Third, they should recognize that Job has good reason to be impatient. Rather than correcting or condemning him for his hurt feelings and rash words, they should have sympathized with him. They may not have agreed with how he was reacting or with what he was saying, but wouldn’t they also have been impatient if they had been dealt such terrible blows as Job?

Fourth, they should have simply put their hand over their mouth in shock. It’s funny, but when you are suffering, just knowing that people are around you who understand is comforting. They don’t have to say or do anything. Usually people who are suffering know that others can’t remove their pain or change their condition. They just want friends to care enough to be there and weep with them.

God wants us to comfort and console others. Jesus is near to the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. This blessed work requires much time, patience and kindness. May God help us to love the suffering one as Christ loves us.