(REFLECTIONS ON Job 6:1-30; Job 7:1-21)

Theology is research, study, mediation, worship, and prayer concerning God. Theology’s aim is to understand God so that we can worship Him and give Him glory.

However, what good is your theology when what is needed is compassion and grace? What Job needs from his friends is kindness, but rather what he gets is their theology.

14 “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend;
So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty.

Someone who truly fears the Lord should understand that, in times of despair, there are moments when what is needed is not another theological explanation, but kindness, compassion, and mercy.

If Job’s friends understand his condition, which Job himself describes as poisonous arrows of terror that are within him (v.4), then perhaps they will realize that what Job needs isn’t their theology, but rather their concern.

Job is still wrestling with God, but he is also trying to remain faithful to Him through his pain and suffering. He does not need his friends to explain God to him when he is struggling to bring his pain and suffering before God.

9 “Would that God were willing to crush me,
That He would loose His hand and cut me off!
10 “But it is still my consolation,
And I rejoice in unsparing pain,
That I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

His consolation, his rejoicing in unsparing pain, is that he remains faithful in his pain and suffering. Yes, Job wishes and hopes that he wouldn’t have to experience any more of this unsparing pain, but there is comfort in not abandoning the God who is his life.

15 So that my soul would choose suffocation,
Death rather than my pains.
16 “I waste away; I will not live forever.
Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.

What good is your theology when all that remains is a person hoping and waiting to die? Perhaps the best thing his friends could do for him isn’t to judge his words or share their words, but just let Job be, with His God, and be willing to just be with him in that moment.

Today’s Scripture is reminder, not just to theologians, pastors, those that professionally study the Bible, but for all of us. We all have our theology, our understanding of God, but what good is your theology when someone is suffering from unsparing pain?

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Job 6
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Job 7