I WOULD STRENGTHEN YOU WITH MY MOUTH!

I WOULD STRENGTHEN YOU WITH MY MOUTH!

Job 15:34-35

34 For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.

35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

          Eliphaz, one of Job’s “friends” (with friends like this who needs enemies?), concluded that Job’s troubles were self-manufactured. A fire had destroyed his sheep; rogues had stolen his camels; He had lost all his wealth; and a wind had destroyed his sons house with all his children in it. Eliphaz accused that Job had secretly “conceived” sin and now sin had given birth to suffering. But it ain’t necessarily so!

          Job knew in his heart that he was innocent of all the charges but he could not prove it. In fact not even Job knew of the celestial conflict that was raging all because he had been true and faithful. God was proud of him. Satan hated him and wanted to destroy him. His friends came to observe and to “judge” him.

          Job made a plea for sympathy (Job 16:1-14). He said: “If I were watching you suffer; if our roles were reversed; I would strengthen you with my mouth.” I think this verse is in direct opposition to Acts 7:54 where Stephen’s audience “gnashed on him with their teeth.”

James 3:8-10

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

          How will you use your mouth today? Be gracious as you observe your brother’s troubles. You may conclude that all his troubles are self-manufactured but you could be very wrong. If the shoe were on the other foot would you not want sympathy? Why not give it? Let us begin the day by looking for someone we could strengthen with our mouth by speaking words of encouragement.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord , my strength, and my redeemer. (Ps 19:14) AMEN