QT 13 Apr 16, Job 15:3-6, Don't condemn people for being emotional

Job 15:3–6 (NRSV)

3 Should they argue in unprofitable talk,

or in words with which they can do no good?

4 But you are doing away with the fear of God,

and hindering meditation before God.

5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth,

and you choose the tongue of the crafty.

6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I;

your own lips testify against you.

NOTE: Eliphaz starts this second round of arguing by attacking Job's bitterness. He does have a bit argument and even God will challenge Job's "wisdom." But being bitter during suffering is not really a sin; it is a natural reaction to pain. It comes and goes, and fades over time. To attack someone for being emotional is not right. We say a lot of stupid things when we are emotional and Eliphaz is wrong to condemn Job for verbalizing his pain. It is as if Eliphaz believes the stoic response to suffering is the better response. I think this is a common fault in the church. We condemn the emotional and exalt the stoic, belittling real emotion, which God created us to express.