How should we respond to misguided advice, as seen in Job 12:1? Setting the scene “Then Job answered.” (Job 12:1) Job has just endured a torrent of well-meaning but erroneous counsel from his friends. Instead of absorbing every word or lashing out, he chooses a measured, truth-filled response. His first action—answering—teaches us volumes about handling misguided advice. Why misguided advice shows up • Our friends may not grasp the full story (Job 4–11) • Human wisdom is limited (1 Corinthians 3:19) • Trials expose differing theological assumptions (Proverbs 18:13) A four-part response modeled by Job 1. Listen, then speak • Job waits through three speeches before replying. • James 1:19: “Let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” 2. Answer with truth, not tantrum • Job will soon declare, “No doubt you are the people and wisdom will die with you” (12:2), yet he never abandons fact for insult. • Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” 3. Re-center on God’s sovereignty • Job 12–14 repeatedly magnifies God’s power over creation, nations, and individuals. • Anchoring ourselves in God’s rule guards against personal offense. 4. Maintain respect while correcting error • 1 Peter 3:15: give a defense “with gentleness and respect.” • Job challenges ideas without denying the dignity of his friends. Scriptural reinforcement • Proverbs 12:15: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” • Proverbs 17:27-28: restraint and calm speech mark true understanding. • Ephesians 4:29: speak “only what is helpful for building up.” Keeping our hearts steady • Pray for discernment before answering (Psalm 139:23-24). • Examine motives—seek restoration, not vindication (Galatians 6:1). • Guard against pride; we can also be wrong (1 Corinthians 10:12). Living it out each day • Evaluate every piece of advice through Scripture first. • Respond only after you can state the other person’s point accurately. • Frame your words to glorify God and serve the hearer (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Trust the Spirit to use gracious truth, even if it isn’t received right away. Job’s simple decision in 12:1—to answer thoughtfully—shows that confronting misguided counsel is not about winning an argument but about speaking truth, reflecting Christ, and guarding unity. |
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