Job 16:5

But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.

Study Bible

But I would encourage you with my mouth
In this phrase, Job contrasts his desired response to his friends' accusations with their actual behavior. The Hebrew word for "encourage" can also mean to "strengthen" or "support," suggesting a deep, heartfelt intention to uplift. This reflects the biblical principle of using words to build up rather than tear down, as seen in Proverbs 12:25, which states that a kind word can cheer up an anxious heart. Job's desire to use his mouth for encouragement aligns with the New Testament teaching in Ephesians 4:29, which instructs believers to speak only what is helpful for building others up.

and the consolation of my lips
The term "consolation" here implies comfort and solace, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In Isaiah 40:1, God commands His people to "comfort, comfort my people," indicating the divine priority placed on offering consolation. Job's reference to his lips suggests a personal, intimate form of comfort, reminiscent of the way Jesus comforted those around Him with His words, as seen in John 14:1-3, where He reassures His disciples of His return and the place He is preparing for them.

would bring relief
The concept of bringing relief is central to the role of a comforter. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, providing relief to someone in distress was a significant social and religious duty. Job's assertion that his words would bring relief highlights the power of speech to transform a person's emotional and spiritual state. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the ultimate source of relief and rest for the weary in Matthew 11:28-30. Job's longing to provide relief foreshadows the ministry of Christ, who offers eternal comfort and rest to all who come to Him.

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, enduring immense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting his suffering is due to sin.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

4. God
The ultimate authority and sovereign being, whose wisdom and purposes are explored throughout the Book of Job.

5. Suffering and Consolation
The broader theme of the book, focusing on human suffering, divine justice, and the search for comfort and understanding.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Words have the power to heal or hurt. As believers, we are called to use our words to encourage and uplift others, especially in times of distress.

Empathy in Suffering
True empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Job's desire to console his friends highlights the importance of empathy in providing comfort.

The Role of Comfort in Community
In Christian community, we are called to bear one another's burdens. Offering consolation is a vital part of living out our faith in community.

Reflecting God's Comfort
As recipients of God's comfort, we are tasked with reflecting that comfort to others, becoming conduits of His peace and encouragement.

The Importance of Intentions
Our intentions in offering comfort should be pure and selfless, aiming to genuinely relieve the suffering of others rather than seeking to correct or judge.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that our words are a source of encouragement and not further distress to those who are suffering?

2. In what ways can we cultivate empathy to better support those in our community who are experiencing hardship?

3. How does understanding God's role as the "God of all comfort" influence our approach to comforting others?

4. Reflect on a time when someone’s words brought you relief. What can you learn from that experience to apply in your interactions with others?

5. How can we balance offering comfort with the need to speak truth, especially when we might not fully understand the reasons behind someone's suffering?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
This passage speaks of God as the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort," who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. This connects to Job's desire to offer consolation.

Proverbs 12:25
This verse highlights the power of an encouraging word to lift a person's spirit, aligning with Job's intention to bring relief through his words.

Isaiah 50:4
This scripture speaks of the Lord giving the tongue of the learned to know how to speak a word in season to the weary, reflecting Job's wish to console with his lips.