Better Than Words

Read: Job 13:1-19

Oh, that you would be silent,
and it would be your wisdom!
-Job 13:5

When we are with people who are grieving or suffering,
we may feel a need to fill the awkwardness of the
occasion with words. Not to say something, we fear, is
to let them down. We may even find ourselves avoiding
the bereaved because we’re afraid we won’t know what to
say.

Author Joe Bayly, who lost three sons through death,
described two examples of comfort he had received during
his deepest grief: “Someone came and talked to me of
God’s dealings, of why it happened, of hope beyond the
grave. He talked constantly [and] said things I knew
were true. I was unmoved, except to wish he’d go away.
He finally did.

“Another came and sat beside me. He didn’t talk. He
didn’t ask leading questions. He just sat beside me for
an hour and more, listened when I said something,
answered briefly, prayed simply, [and] left. I was
moved. I was comforted. I hated to see him go.”

Job experienced similar emotions. In his grief, he
too had craved silent support from his friends. He
cried out, “Oh, that you would be silent, and it would
be your wisdom!” (13:5). Instead, he was worn down by
their many words.

The next time you’re with people who are grieving,
allow your presence to be their comfort.
-Joanie E. Yoder

Words of insight, gems of guidance
Help when someone’s in a test;
But when comfort is what’s needed,
Silent presence may be best. -Sper

A WELL-TIMED SILENCE IS MORE ELOQUENT THAN WORDS.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.