Job 16:4-5 (NASV)
“I too could speak like you,
If I were in your place.
I could compose words against you
And shake my head at you.
“I could strengthen you with my mouth,
And the solace of my lips could lessen your pain.
Job 16:4-5 (NIV)
I also could speak like you,
if you were in my place;
I could make fine speeches against you
and shake my head at you.
But my mouth would encourage you;
comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
What a blessing God has given us in our speech and language. When others are hurting and in pain, we have the ability to encourage, support and uplift them. Or, NOT! Job, in responding to, yet, another verbal attack from one of his friends, let's them know that he, too, could be like them. He tells them that he knows the power of the tongue. He has the ability to confront others or comfort others. He knows our language and speech can uplift or tear down. Solomon makes this point, repeatedly, in the book of Proverbs. He states over and over how the tongue can beat up or exalt others. Job simple states that he recognizes the words of his friends but if he was in their shoes he would be more encouraging. Somehow we think the truth has to be cruel. Paul tells us to speak the truth. But, he tells us to do so in love, which means it must be possible. God's truth to us is in love. Our truth to others must be in love. Don't forget that God loves us and speaks frank to us in His word. So, too, we should not condemn, but encourage others in their walk with God. God wants us to reflect to his character in the way we treat others.
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