Job 8-10, James 3
We see the struggle of Job with his friends, challenging them in their perception of God. Job points out how unworthy he is to question God's judgement and doesn't see fit to try and reason with Him. I think it is so easy to tell God how unfair He is being when things fall into the pit. But as Job states, we are so unworthy to know what God is really planning and to know what He will teach us through it.
We also see how Job's friend, Bildad, wrongly accuses Job of not having full trust in God. But as we read in the opening of Job, he was most definitely relying on the Lord, and even making sacrifices for his children in case they weren't following Him fully. The insecurities that come, only come when we don't put our reliance on Him. Bildad definitely speaks out of term as he tries to call out Job's faith. How many times do we just talk to hopefully make a situation better, just for the sake of saying something? I know I can get that way at times...
James shares about using our tongue for good, rather than hindering. A tongue is so small, but it has all the power. Whatever you say to others will leave an impression, whether negatively or positively, and the negative impression is harder to get out. Your reputation is at the stake of your tongue in many cases, so it is important to tame it and watch what you say, whether it is to someone's face, behind their back, or through the false security of a computer screen.
From what we continue to read in James, chapter 3, the wisdom that comes from God is pure, peace-loving, gentle at ALL times, humble, full of good deeds and mercy, shows no favoritism, and is always sincere (James 3:17). Perhaps the best advice that comes out of our mouths should reflect these things, as that wisdom comes from God.
Next time you have a friend that is hurting, think twice before just talking to fill space. The words you say can help greatly, or hinder dramatically. Remember how to recognize what God's wisdom looks like and act on that. The words we say are powerful and last a very long time in a heart.
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