Verses 1-5
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Part of Job's suffering was the criticism he received from his friends. And here Job acknowledges that this was part of his trial. How so? God Himself had prevented Job's friends from gaining deeper understanding, and this undoubtedly hindered them from being able to think and communicate accurately (verse 4). Because of this, Job sought security in God.
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When Job spoke to or about his friends, like he does here, did not flatter them (verse 5), but spoke to them the truth knowing that it would provoke more criticism from them.
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When you speak to others, tell them the truth. When you flatter people, or neglect speaking the truth about them, you're only trying to gain advantage or avoid the slander that you may receive for telling them the truth. Thus, flattery is only selfish and prideful.
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Also remember that God gives or withholds understanding from people. Dealing with people who are not helpful because of a lack of understanding is a trial we may endure. Pray, and trust God even in this! It's all for a purpose.
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Verses 6-9
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God had made Job suffer (verse 6) because He allowed it. Such suffering was humiliating to Job and astonishing to others.
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What was his strength? Righteousness and clean hands. In any hardship, if you keep your thoughts and actions clean, you will only grow stronger; but it will take time.
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When times are hard, focus on learning how to do what is right even when you're suffering, and this will build your strength!
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Verses 10-16
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Job finishes his words by rhetorically challenging his friends and speaking of what he feels is his approaching death.
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In a way, he found some comfort in the thought of death, seeing death like a home and a family member. Death could have meant an end to his suffering. However, having rest after death was not a hope that he, at that time, could be confident in. Job felt conflicted.
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We might say this is, in one sense, similar to how Paul felt when he had “a desire to depart and be with Christ”; but he said, “to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all...” (Philippians 1:23-25).
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One thing we can be confident in, like Paul was, is that it is important, even needful, to live. Even when you feel that your “purposes are broken off” (verse 11) remember that it is always better to keep living.
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