Following the losses Job had experienced and then with the second blow to his own personal health, he had friends who came to comfort him. These friends quietly sat with him — “no one spoke a word to him” — for seven days because of his great suffering. (Job 2:13) At the end of those first seven days, there followed a lot of talking and responding but no real comfort. (Job 2-31) It appears the most comfort these friends had been, was when they had remained silent.
After Job’s friend Elihu spoke with a little more sense than the other three friends (Job 32-37) [note that ultimately it was not for Elihu, but for the other three Job was to pray. (Job 42:7-9)], it was God’s turn to speak. In the middle of what God declared, I love Job’s response where we read. . .
“(3) Then Job answered the Lord and said: (4) “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. (5) I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”” (Job 40:3-5 ESV)
Even without answers and explanations, Job was content in his focus toward God and His greatness. Job continued to trust God and would not speak against Him. Though he and the others had spoken, at the speaking of God it was time to be silent.
It is interesting that the words “listen” and “silent” are spelled with the same letters. Some people put their hands over their ears and refuse to listen (i.e. Zechariah 7:11; Acts 7:57) when — as with Job — the hands would be better placed over the mouth. When we are “silent” we are more enabled to “listen” and we would do well to especially listen to God. We may not get all the answers and explanations we want, but what He has spoken through His Word ought to encourage us on in the hope He offers. May we acknowledge the blessing of being “silent”, affording the opportunity to “listen”, and thus learning to lean trustingly on the One Who does know all the answers, even unrevealed!
Have a great day LEARNING CONTENTMENT IN LISTENING TO GOD!
Carl
