SOMETIMES OUR FRIENDS DON'T REALLY KNOW US

PROCLAMATION

“But now be so kind as to look at me.  Would I lie to your face?  Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake.”  Job 6:28-29 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After discarding the advice from his wife, (Job 2:9-10) three of Job’s friends, having heard about his troubles, came to visit him and to comfort him. (Job 2:11-13)  They sat with him for seven days without saying a word. (Job 2:13)  After that Job spoke, and he complained about his situation, and he cursed the day that he was born. (Job 3:1-26)  His friend Eliphaz then spoke and said that Job should remember the words which he had taught to others. (Job 4:1-6)  He said that those who sow trouble will reap it. (Job 4:7-9)  Then he asked Job can a mortal be more righteous than God? (Job 4:17)  Afterwards he told Job, “If I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him.” (Job 5:8)  Then he said, “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)  Job replied that he wished that God would grant his request and kill him. (Job 6:8-10)  Job also told his friend that he had not sinned, and he would not lie about it. (Job 6:28-30)

APPLICATION

People can be our friend for years and not really know us.  They may know what we did in the past and who we were, but they do not know who we are now.  If they are non-believers, then they really cannot understand us or our behavior.  Their assessment of us and our situation is based upon insufficient information and their advice should be taken with a grain of salt.  If their premise is wrong, then their advice is also wrong.  Sometimes the best thing that a friend can do is just be there with us and keep their opinions to themselves.  When we need help, we should “take our burdens to The Lord and leave them there.”  The Lord God knows us, He knows all about us, and He knows what is best for us.  Trust not in man, (Psalm 146:3) trust in The Lord God. (Psalm 16:1)