O that you would be completely silent.

Job 13:3-12, “But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue with God. But you smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. O that you would be completely silent, and that it would become your wisdom! Please hear my argument, and listen to the contentions of my lips. Will you speak what is unjust for God, and speak what is deceitful for Him? Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God? Will it be well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man? He will surely reprove you, if you secretly show partiality. Will not His majesty terrify you, and the dread of Him fall on you? Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, your defenses are defenses of clay.”

Job prefers to come before God rather than his friends. It’s far too easy to be overcome by pride in advising others when we are not suffering as they are suffering. The wisdom of silence has been forgotten in our world of quick advice.

Let us not speak unjustly in Your name; help us to be wise in bringing comfort to others who are suffering.