Bible Discussion Thread

Job 6:14 To him that is afflicted (troubled physically or mentally no matter the circumstances around the affliction) then pity should be shown to that friend. What is pity? Sympathetic sorrow should be shown to a friend. . . .But, he forsaketh (to renounce or turn away from entirely) the fear (profound reverence and awe especially toward God) of the Almighty.

I think this verse is trying to tell us to show sympathetic sorrow and understanding towards a Christian friend, and understand that those "troubles" are caused by not keeping reverence and awe toward the Father. Looking back on my life, I can see how I've missed it.

I think the emphasis is not on the one being consoled; but the friend who is consoling as verse 15 indicates. This was the characteristic of the majority of the book of Job; who initially were silent as he stood with sackcloth and ashes and said nothing.

Unfortunately; human nature which is unstable as water cannot be counted on for steadfastness once the fear of God is removed; and self serving attitudes crop up. We are not naturally inclined to bear burdens of those who seem unpleasant; or in Job's case stink from open wounds. A lot of people don't feel like being around depressed individuals; or to share burdens generally.

This isn't even the biggest problem here: God Himself if anything was even harsher with Job; but gave him a worthy rebuke in that His attributes were perfect. Rather than emphasizing some self righteousness that his "friends" didn't really possess; He stands alone as being totally righeous; and therefore in all ways unattainable. The proper reaction is to be on our faces before Him. And the whole assembly; including apparently Job himself was unaware that Satan was the instigator here; who God allowed twice to affect first with the disasters with those in his personal circles; then to Job himself; limiting his life only to be spared. He was still stated to be a righteous man; the greatest of that land. There was never any indication that his possessions were anything but a blessing from God; as he alone seemed concerned about the attitudes of his family who he prayed for daily; and sacrificially. So with not knowing the source of his troubles; he blames God and is confused. Ultimately; the Lord "creates good and evil" ( Isaiah 45:7); but also is not the author of confusion; and cannot lie. This in the end exalted Job to an even higher standard. We should observe the mandate to pray for his friends BEFORE restoration; as this could have held back Job from these blessings if he had a hardened heart.

How wonderfully stated. I wholeheartedly agree with you. I'm just bringing out that in my own life, and I know it rings true in others, that when going through tough situations, if I wallow in self-pity and say woe is me, then what effect does the crisis have in me? Could there be more? I believe there is more to every situation, if we will truly turn to God and ask him to "reveal the deeper "why", then that's when we grow and truly change. Our victory is to bring all honor and glory to him one moment at a time.

Benson Commentary

Job 6:14. To him that is afflicted - Hebrew, To him that is melted, or dissolved with afflictions: or, as Dr. Waterland renders it, To one that is wasting away; pity should be showed from his friend - His friend, such as thou, O Eliphaz, pretendest to be to me, should show kindness and compassion in his judgment of him, and behaviour toward him, and not pass such unmerciful censures upon him as thou hast passed upon me, nor load him with reproaches; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty - Thou hast no love or pity for thy friend; a plain evidence that thou art guilty of what thou didst charge me with, even of the want of the fear of God. The least which those that are at ease can do for them that are pained, is to pity them, to feel a tender concern for them, and to sympathize with them.