Job 2:11-13“Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came everyone from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent everyone his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. So, they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.”
Job had lost everything he had built by his hard work and the blessing and protection of God. Job had three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they heard about all the grief their friend was going through, they came to his side to comfort him. When they saw the depth of his sorrow they grieved with him. They did not know what to say to their friend so they sat down on the ground next to Job for the next seven days and nights and said nothing. They just sat and grieved with and for him.
Much has been said about these three friends' accusing words, and justifiably so. His friends, however, found themselves in the same state as many of us when we want to comfort a friend, relative, or church member. We are confronted with their grief, but don't know what to say. We dearly want to comfort them, but we are at a loss for words. I have found that sometimes just being present is a comfort to a grieving person. They do not need your words as much as they need the warmth of your love. Sometimes a hug can go a long way. The other thing is to pray with and for them. Ask God to comfort, protect, and care for them only as He can.
For all the mistakes they made in their counsel, Job's friends were present when he needed them. And that was the comfort he needed right then. Job accused them of being poor comforters later because of their words, but he was comforted by their silent presence.
Never fear to go to a friend, family member, or church member that is in need of comfort and a loving touch. Words are not as important as your demonstration of loving concern. A hug, a shared tear, or your quiet presence is of more comfort than your words will ever be in their moment grief and sorrow. In time, words of encouragement and compassionate kindness will be easier to share. And there will come a time when your words will be asked for because of the comfort of your presence.
