Daily Reading // Job 31-32
(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog
S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
Job 32:21-22 (NKJV) 21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man. 22 For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
Elihu is now speaking to Job. He is the youngest of the speakers in this book. For that reason he wisely holds his opinion. (An ability many today do not possess). He breaks his silence now to share his take on things.
He prefaces his comments with a warning. He lets everyone know that he won’t be flattering anyone. He won’t tell people just what they want to hear to gain his own advantage and popularity. He plans to tell it like it is and hold nothing back.
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
“Flattery will get you nowhere.” Or so they say.
Flattery is deception of the kindest sort. A flatterer is a liar that everyone wants to have around. With flattery, truth becomes an expendable commodity. Tell them just what they want to hear. No unpopular confrontations. That is the way of flattery.
There is a huge difference between flattery and words of affirmation. Genuine praise and encouraging words are commended throughout scripture. Flattery is different.
With flattery, glaring problems are glossed over and ignored. We all need those people in our lives who can share the hard truth with us, the things we really need to hear in order to bring correction. This can only be done in the context of deep relationship.
Can I be that person for someone else?
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Jesus, give me a heart of compassion that speaks words of encouragement and hard truth when necessary. Amen.
Comments