Job 21-23 Thanks to those filled with good advice!!

June 7th, Job 21-23

       At a certain point the debates that we have with people tend to drift further and further from value.  At best we start off actually listening to each other(on a REALLY good day, when the sun is shining and it's 72 degrees). Before you know it, listening comes to an end and these discussion take a turn for the worse. I think Job senses that in the beginning of the story today..."Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on."
       Everything about that line says, it's time to stop the conversation, pick it up later if you wish...or not. Sometimes, agreeing to disagree has more value than going on and on and on.
       The tricky part for me in these accusations from the friends is that they are actually saying some correct things.Chapter 22:21-23 is an example...
      Agree with God and be at peace, thereby good will come to you.
             Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.
      If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; 
             if you remove injustice far from your tents.

       I can't disagree with that, which is in large part why having discussions with some Christians is soooo annoying. The friend is right and totally wrong, all in the same breath. Being in agreement with God is where we should be, but bad hasn't come to Job's tent because of injustice. These friends think they know so much. Lesson for the morning, don't be the advice giving friend that is clueless about what is going on. Some advice is just a heap of burning coals, a weight and fire that adds more pain, shame and heartache.

       Here's to good advice and the people I trust who can give it. Thanks many times over!!