Right but Wrong

So much of what Job’s friends said can seem right. Read in isolation, many of their comments can seem sound. Certainly, from their perspective, they felt they had the right motives. They felt they understood God and why Job had gone through difficulties. Yet in the end, God declared they had not spoken “what is right.” Their conclusions may have had some validity, but God did not completely agree with them.

These are important insights to remember when we think about our attitude toward others. It can be easy to criticize and form opinions, sure we are right. But it is important to submit every thought to God before we judge others, to be sure that we are being led by Him, not just guided by personal biases.

The story of Job reminds us that we can reach conclusions that may seem correct but which in God’s sight still can be wrong. Job’s friends certainly knew enough about God, but He concluded that their interpretations and judgments were not correct.

The Bible makes clear that knowledge isn’t enough. It is important to be sensitive to God’s Spirit. We need to commit our thoughts to God and be guided by His wisdom and discernment. Remember the words of Jesus: “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).