What Not To Say

Daily Reading // Job 15-16

(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 16:4-5 (NKJV) I also could speak as you do, If your soul were in my soul’s place. I could heap up words against you, And shake my head at you; But I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief.

O // OBSERVATION

Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text

Job was in need of comfort. He was in need of friends who would sit with him, listen to him and strengthen him with their words.

Bringing this kind of comfort is a choice. Job said, “It’s easy to pile up words against someone who is struggling. I could do that to you if the situation were reversed. But I would choose something different. I would use my words to soothe and to comfort.”

There is power within our words to harm or to heal; to comfort or condemn.

A // APPLICATION

How can I apply this to my life today?

How do I use my words? Are my words agents of love and grace, or something else?

Job’s friends came to him in a time of trouble. He had lost everything, including his kids, and was now having painful health issues. He needed the comfort of friends. Instead, they couldn’t help but give him all the right answers and tell him where he had gone wrong.

They couldn’t help it. It seems to me like some people have very little control over their mouth. They can’t help themselves from saying very unnecessary and unhelpful things. When they think they know something they have to share it with any who will listen.

Sometimes what you choose not to say is just as important as what you choose to say. Can I think I know something and yet keep it to myself if it’s not helpful?

P // PRAYER

Express yourself in prayer

Lord, You gave me a mouth. Now give me the wisdom to use it in helpful, not harmful, ways. Amen.