July 16

“Shall vain words have an end?...” Job 16:3

Job responds to his miserable comforters and challenges their arguments. ‘Vain words’ here literally means words of wind! We might say, ‘just a lot of hot air’, words which hold no true value, or help in any way, which are idle and pass by us like the wind. Exchanging casual conversation in friendship and fun, is enjoyable can be beneficial, and not to be ignored, but there are serious times, times of need, grief or pain, when offhanded, unthoghtful or inappropriate words, can do much harm to individuals and relationships. We have all had someone who has attempted to bestow upon us such inept expressions, and perhaps at some stage we too have been guilty of the same incompetence. What Job was asking is essentially a question we should all answer. It seems as long as humanity exists, frail and faulty in its outlook and perception, there are going to be vain, empty words spoken and thrown about like dead leaves in the wind. Words, when lacking in godly or edifying purpose, may not only be just irrelevant and confusing, but may also cut and damage the heart and soul. The bible often describes the beauty and preciousness of words spoken in wisdom, in context and in the right time. Those words are worth having, they give life; they assist us on the journey, provide true comfort and support in trials and afflictions. We are encouraged to carefully ‘weigh up’ our words, and avoid idle talk, knowing that we will give account for every word we speak. It is hard to say what exactly motivates us to speak empty words. Job asked that question too. What provoked his ‘friends’ to be so vocal and so opinionated about their own views and feelings, at a time when all he wanted was possibly just some silent companionship? We can learn from this event, and apply the biblical exhortation, that there is a time to speak (and when we do, it should be salient and wise) and a time to be silent. When in pain and sorrow, a friend is least likely to appreciate our observations, reminders or philosophies about what they did to land themselves in such straits! There may be a time for that conversation, but not when they are afflicted. Genuine love is sensitive about the other person and their predicament, and is able to weep with those who weep. Perhaps we fall into the trap of saying something, anything, however ‘vain’, simply because we do not wish to appear like we have nothing to say. The truth is that in some circumstances, it is not so much the sound of our voice, but the presence of our heart, that is required. There are also occasions when we may feel that our talking is necessary communication, but In fact unless what is said is relevant, wise and of assistance, it may actually hinder any true exchange and destroy dialogue. Let us be wise and pertinent in all we say, careful and godly in the advice we offer, and mindful that speaking fewer words which say a great deal, is always better than a lot of talk which is empty, inappropriate or inconsiderate.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion