“For the despairing person there should be kindness from his friend;
So that he does not abandon the fear of the Almighty.
My brothers have acted deceitfully like a wadi,
Like the torrents of wadis which drain away,
Which are darkened because of ice,
And into which the snow melts.
When they dry up, they vanish;
When it is hot, they disappear from their place.
The paths of their course wind along,
They go up into wasteland and perish.
The caravans of Tema looked,
The travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
They were put to shame, for they had trusted;
They came there and were humiliated.
Indeed, you have now become such;
You see terrors and are afraid.
Have I said, ‘Give me something,’
Or, ‘Offer a bribe for me from your wealth,’
Or, ‘Save me from the hand of the enemy,’
Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the tyrants’?

Teach me, and I will be silent;
And show me how I have done wrong.
How painful are honest words!
But what does your argument prove?
Do you intend to rebuke my words,
When the words of one in despair belong to the wind?
You would even cast lots for the orphans,
And barter over your friend.
Now please look at me,
And see if I am lying to your face.
Please turn away, let there be no injustice;
Turn away, my righteousness is still in it.
Is there injustice on my tongue?
Does my palate not discern disasters?’”

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Context and Meaning

In this section, Job directly addresses his friends, particularly Eliphaz, criticizing their lack of compassion. Instead of offering understanding, they have added to his despair. Job uses vivid imagery and rhetorical questions to highlight his disappointment and defend his integrity.

Key Themes:

1. The Need for Kindness: Job laments that a despairing person should receive kindness from friends to help sustain faith in God (v. 14). His friends’ words, however, have felt like dry streams that fail to provide refreshment (v. 15-20).
2. Defending His Integrity: Job challenges his friends to prove his wrongdoing (v. 24-25). He asserts that their arguments lack substance and are unhelpful in his time of despair.
3. The Pain of Misjudgment: Job accuses his friends of treating him unfairly, like someone who would exploit orphans or friends for personal gain (v. 27).

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Reflection and Impact

Job’s words highlight the importance of compassion and the harm of careless judgment:

• Compassion in Friendship: Job’s plea reminds us that kindness and empathy are vital for supporting others in their suffering. Judgment only deepens wounds.
• The Power of Words: Job describes how his friends’ harsh words feel like betrayal, emphasizing the need to speak carefully when comforting someone in pain.
• Integrity Amid Accusation: Job’s confidence in his righteousness shows us the importance of holding fast to truth, even when others misunderstand or misjudge us.

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Application

• Be a True Friend: When others are hurting, lead with kindness and understanding rather than assumptions or advice.
• Speak with Care: Consider whether your words will bring healing or harm to someone in despair.
• Cling to Righteousness: Like Job, hold to integrity even if others misinterpret your actions or intentions.

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Closing Thought

Job’s disappointment in his friends reminds us of the vital role kindness plays in helping others endure suffering. His example challenges us to be compassionate friends who listen well, speak wisely, and support others in their darkest moments.