We should treat our suffering friends with gracious kindness that preserves their trust in God.
In the book of Job, the afflicted sufferer laments the apparent lack of compassion from his friends. “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend, So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty” (v.14). Here, Job highlights a universal desire for empathy: that those in desperation would experience tangible mercy, instead of the ruthless judgment he repeatedly receives from those closest to him. This passage underscores how easily careless words can compound someone’s sorrow when they most need tenderness and compassion.
The phrase there should be kindness from his friend touches on the biblical theme of bearing one another’s burdens. Job’s friends, rather than encouraging him in his faith, added to his anguish by making accusations and judging his circumstances. Although Job’s context was unique—he was living in the patriarchal era long before Jesus’s earthly ministry—this message still resonated then as it does now, reminding the faithful to show gracious support rather than criticism. Acting with gracious mercy is crucial to preventing the suffering person from quitting on their relationship with God.
Furthermore, Job’s admonition so that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty highlights how despair can threaten the faith of the hurting. Compassion from a friend can help rekindle hope in God during life’s hardest trials. It is a timeless example of the kind of fellowship that believers are encouraged to practice, showing how our words and actions can either encourage spiritual perseverance or tear it down.
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Job 6:14 meaning
In the book of Job, the afflicted sufferer laments the apparent lack of compassion from his friends. “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend, So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty” (v.14). Here, Job highlights a universal desire for empathy: that those in desperation would experience tangible mercy, instead of the ruthless judgment he repeatedly receives from those closest to him. This passage underscores how easily careless words can compound someone’s sorrow when they most need tenderness and compassion.
The phrase there should be kindness from his friend touches on the biblical theme of bearing one another’s burdens. Job’s friends, rather than encouraging him in his faith, added to his anguish by making accusations and judging his circumstances. Although Job’s context was unique—he was living in the patriarchal era long before Jesus’s earthly ministry—this message still resonated then as it does now, reminding the faithful to show gracious support rather than criticism. Acting with gracious mercy is crucial to preventing the suffering person from quitting on their relationship with God.
Furthermore, Job’s admonition so that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty highlights how despair can threaten the faith of the hurting. Compassion from a friend can help rekindle hope in God during life’s hardest trials. It is a timeless example of the kind of fellowship that believers are encouraged to practice, showing how our words and actions can either encourage spiritual perseverance or tear it down.