Do you listen to others when you hurt? Job 3-5

As Eliphaz starts to speak (the first of Job's friends to do so) he begins with the following question: “If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?" As we read through Job it is important to remember that Job's friends are all going to give him counsel during his time of trouble. However, like most of us giving "words of advice" to our friends we don't always (in fact, seldom) know the whole story. Eliphaz doesn't know the Devil's deal with God. He is unaware of the "real reason" for Job's pain. So, like most of us would, he points out that the reason for the trouble is because God is discipling Job for some sin (as pointed out in previous devotionals). With that as our backdrop we would do well to consider Eliphaz's words in 4:2, above. There is much room for criticizing Eliphaz, and, all of Job's friends, in regard to "counsel" for Job. However, we should follow Eliphaz's example here. He asks Job if he could have a word with him and recognizes that Job may become impatient. The question is rhetorical in nature but gives us our lesson for the day. Proverbs states time and again that a wise person is one who can handle "reproof" (Proverbs 15:5, 10, 31). When we are going through tough times are we willing to listen to the "advice" of others? Are we at a place in our lives, despite the pain, to listen to the views of others who God may send our way to shape us? As we will find in all these "words of comfort" from Job's friends, they are not always right in their application to what is happening to Job, but they are often telling us something about God that we need to know. Are you a ready listener when times are good or bad?