Job 6:26
Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
Do you intend
The phrase "Do you intend" suggests a deliberate action or purpose. In the Hebrew text, the word used here implies a conscious decision or plan. Job is questioning the motives of his friends, who seem to be critiquing his expressions of anguish. This highlights the importance of understanding the intent behind words, especially in moments of deep suffering. In a broader biblical context, it reminds us of the need for empathy and discernment when addressing others' pain.

to correct
The word "to correct" comes from a Hebrew root that means to reprove or rebuke. Job's friends are attempting to set him straight, assuming that his words are misguided. This reflects a common human tendency to judge or correct others without fully understanding their circumstances. Scripturally, it calls to mind the wisdom of Proverbs, which often contrasts the folly of hasty judgment with the virtue of patience and understanding.

my words
"Words" in this context are not just casual expressions but the outpouring of Job's heart. In Hebrew, the term can also imply a matter or thing spoken, indicating the weight and significance of what is being said. Job's words are a reflection of his inner turmoil and should be approached with sensitivity. This serves as a reminder of the power of words in the Bible, as seen in James 3, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body but capable of great impact.

and treat
The phrase "and treat" suggests an action or behavior towards something. In the Hebrew, it implies a manner of dealing with or regarding something. Job is concerned with how his friends are handling his expressions of distress. This highlights the biblical principle of treating others with kindness and respect, as seen in the teachings of Jesus about loving one's neighbor.

the speech of a desperate man
"Speech" here refers to the utterances or expressions of someone in deep distress. The Hebrew word can also mean a cry or plea. Job identifies himself as a "desperate man," emphasizing his extreme suffering and need for compassion. This phrase underscores the biblical theme of God's concern for the brokenhearted and His call for His people to show mercy and understanding to those in despair.

as wind
The metaphor "as wind" suggests something fleeting or insubstantial. In Hebrew, the word for wind can also mean breath or spirit, often used to describe something transient or ephemeral. Job feels that his friends are dismissing his words as meaningless, akin to the passing wind. This imagery is powerful in the biblical context, reminding us of the need to value and listen to the cries of those in pain, rather than dismissing them as inconsequential. It echoes the call in Scripture to bear one another's burdens and to be present for those who suffer.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar
Job's three friends who come to comfort him but end up arguing with him, suggesting that his suffering is due to sin.

3. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.

4. God
The ultimate authority and sovereign being, whose purposes and plans are beyond human understanding.

5. Suffering and Desperation
The context of Job's lament, where he expresses his anguish and seeks understanding from his friends and God.
Teaching Points
Understanding Desperation
Recognize that words spoken in desperation may not reflect one's true beliefs or intentions. Offer grace and understanding to those who are suffering.

The Power of Words
Words can either wound or heal. Be mindful of how you respond to others, especially in their times of distress.

Compassionate Listening
Like Job's friends, we may be tempted to correct rather than listen. Strive to be a compassionate listener, offering support rather than judgment.

The Role of Suffering
Suffering can lead to deeper questions about faith and God's purposes. Use these times to seek God more earnestly and trust in His wisdom.

God's Sovereignty and Human Understanding
Acknowledge that God's ways are higher than ours. Trust in His sovereignty, even when His plans are not clear.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we ensure that our words are a source of comfort rather than correction when someone is in distress?

2. In what ways can we practice compassionate listening in our daily interactions, especially with those who are suffering?

3. How does understanding the power of words influence the way we communicate with others, particularly in challenging situations?

4. What can we learn from Job's response to his suffering that can help us in our own times of trial?

5. How does recognizing God's sovereignty help us to trust Him more deeply, even when we do not understand our circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 5:11
This verse references the perseverance of Job, highlighting his endurance and the compassion and mercy of the Lord.

Proverbs 18:21
This verse speaks to the power of words, which connects to Job's plea for understanding rather than correction of his desperate speech.

Psalm 142:2
David's expression of pouring out his complaint before God parallels Job's candid expression of his suffering.
Job's Answer to EliphazJ. Parker, D. D.Job 6:1-30
Job's First ReplyRobert A. Watson, D. D.Job 6:1-30
Job's Great SufferingHomilistJob 6:1-30
A Message to DoubtersG. Jackson, B. A.Job 6:14-30
Mistaken FriendshipHomilistJob 6:14-30
Friendship: its Rights and its DisclaimersE. Johnson Job 6:22-27
People
Job, Tema
Places
Sheba, Tema, Uz
Topics
Argument, Belong, Correct, Despair, Despairing, Desperate, Hold, Hope, Imagine, Indeed, Intend, Reckon, Reproof, Reprove, Sayings, Seeing, Seem, Speech, Speeches, Treat, Wind, Wrong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 6:26

     4860   wind

Library
July 12 Evening
Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.--HEB. 10:24. How forcible are right words!--I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance. They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.--If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Of Sufferings
Of Sufferings Be patient under all the sufferings which God is pleased to send you: if your love to Him be pure, you will not seek Him less on Calvary, than on Tabor; and, surely, He should be as much loved on that as on this, since it was on Calvary He made the greater display of His Love for you. Be not like those, who give themselves to Him at one season, and withdraw from Him at another: they give themselves only to be caressed; and wrest themselves back again, when they come to be crucified,
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

"Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing," &C.
Rom. xv. 13.--"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing," &c. It is usual for the Lord in his word to turn his precepts unto promises, which shows us, that the commandments of God do not so much import an ability in us, or suppose strength to fulfil them, as declare that obligation which lies upon us, and his purpose and intention to accomplish in some, what he requires of all: and therefore we should accordingly convert all his precepts unto prayers, seeing he hath made
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Sinner Stripped of his Vain Pleas.
1, 2. The vanity of those pleas which sinners may secretly confide in, is so apparent that they will be ashamed at last to mention them before God.--3. Such as, that they descended from pious us parents.--4. That they had attended to the speculative part of religion.--5. That they had entertained sound notion..--6, 7. That they had expressed a zealous regard to religion, and attended the outward forms of worship with those they apprehended the purest churches.--8. That they had been free from gross
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Solemn Address to those who Will not be Persuaded to Fall in with the Design of the Gospel.
1. Universal success not to be expected.--2-4. Yet, as unwilling absolutely to give up any, the author addresses thou who doubt the truth of Christianity, urging an inquiry into its evidences, and directing to prayer methods for that purpose.--5 Those who determine to give it up without further examination.--6. And presume to set themselves to oppose it.--7, 8. Those who speculatively assent to Christianity as true, and yet will sit down without any practical regard to its most important and acknowledged
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6.--"And we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Here they join the punishment with the deserving cause, their uncleanness and their iniquities, and so take it upon them, and subscribe to the righteousness of God's dealing. We would say this much in general--First, Nobody needeth to quarrel God for his dealing. He will always be justified when he is judged. If the Lord deal more sharply with you than with others, you may judge there is a difference
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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