Job 16:5

Dutch 1939 (De Heilige Schrift, Petrus Canisiusvertaling, 1939)

U met de mond kunnen troosten, En met de lippen beklagen.

Wat betekent dit?

Job is speaking to his friends and says that he would use his words to comfort them. He believes that what he says can lessen their sorrow. This shows Job's desire to help and encourage his friends.

Uitgelegd voor kinderen

Imagine you're feeling sad and your friend comes over to talk to you. They say things that make you feel better. That's what Job is saying here. He wants to use his words to cheer up his friends when they're feeling down.

Historische achtergrond

The Book of Job is part of the Old Testament, traditionally written by Job himself or by a contemporary author. It was written to an audience experiencing affliction and questioning the reasons behind suffering, set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern beliefs about divine justice and human responsibility.

Toepassing voor vandaag

In a modern scenario, imagine a friend is going through a hard time, such as losing a job. You can use your words to encourage them, remind them of their strengths, and offer support, which can help alleviate their distress.

Onderwerpen

• comfort
• friendship
• suffering
• words of encouragement
• emotional support
• sorrow

Gerelateerde verzen

• Psalms 34:18
• Isaiah 61:1-3
• Matthew 9:22
• John 16:20-22
• 1 Peter 3:8-9

Veelgestelde vragen

What does Job mean by 'the moving of my lips should asswage your grief'?

Job means that his words, expressed by the movement of his lips, can help to lessen the pain and sorrow his friends are feeling.

How can we apply Job's words to our modern relationships?

We can apply Job's words by using our words to comfort and support those we care about, offering them encouragement and hope during difficult times.

What does this verse teach us about the power of words?

This verse teaches us that our words can have a powerful impact on others, capable of bringing comfort and alleviating pain when used with care and compassion.

Is there a modern equivalent of Job's statement?

Yes, the modern equivalent would be using empathetic and supportive communication to comfort someone in distress, emphasizing the healing power of words.