In teaching the book of Job in a Bible class on Sunday mornings, one
thing that we have pointed out a number of times is the verbal "jabs"
thrown by the friends, as well as Job, in their exchanges of speeches. Several
of these are direct, and some--especially by the friends--are downright cruel.
However, sprinkled throughout the narrative are also a large number of
more subtle jabs. For example, in Job 18:2, Bildad begins his second speech to
Job with this question: "How long will you hunt for words?"
On the face of it, that is already fairly mean. After all, Job is going
through horrific suffering, and he has still managed to keep speaking and to be
clear in expressing what is going on in his mind. However, this question is an
even more subtle jab than it appears at face value. In ancient cultures, those
who were considered wise were those who spoke with very precise language and
who were very controlled in their language.
So, while Bildad's question is somewhat mean on the surface, just
consider the subtle undertone of it. He is basically saying that Job is unwise,
uncontrolled, and foolish!
As our Bible class has noticed these more subtle jabs, it has caused me
to do a lot of self-reflection. How do I talk both to and about other people?
Sometimes, it can be tempting to take jabs that are more subtle so that I can
claim innocence in a situation. As we hear it said, sometimes, we can "say
something without saying something."
But is that the way Christians should treat people? Think of three basic
Biblical principles that need to guide our words. This is certainly not meant
to be an exhaustive list, but maybe it will cause us to think about those times
when we are in a moment of conflict or when we have to deal with someone in a
tense situation.
1. Matthew 5:37: "But let what you say be simply 'yes' or 'no';
anything more than this comes from evil." While this statement by Jesus is
made in the context of making oaths, the principle is invaluable to all our
communication. Followers of Jesus should be known for language that reflects
exactly what needs to be said.
2. Colossians 4:6: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned
with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Take
note of the word "always." Taking subtle jabs at people certainly is
not gracious speech, and it is very difficult to see how this type of language
is a proper "answer" to anyone.
3. Matthew 18:15: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell
him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained
your brother." While this has a specific context (believer sinning against
believer), notice that Jesus says the conversation is to be both private and
clear. The fault is to be told. We are not to beat around the bush. However, we
are also not to take any type of verbal jab at the other person in order to try
to put ourselves in some type of "stronger" position. Instead, go to
them and say what you believe they have done that is sinful toward you.
It is easy to excuse subtle jabs, but we simply cannot be the type of
people who speak this way. For one thing, it violates the Golden Rule. None of
us would want people taking these types of shots--no matter how subtle--at us,
so we simply cannot excuse that type of behavior in ourselves.
But further, to do this is to treat another person as "less
than." These types of shots are meant to put the other person on a lower
plane than we are, but we should always remember that all people are created in
the image of God. As such, there is not a greater or lesser. There are just
people, and we need to treat every other person as one made in His image and
who has infinite value to Him.
So, no matter the situation--even if it is tense or heated--let's
remember to be direct but also to remember the soul of the other person. Or, to
use the words of Paul, let's always remember to be "speaking the truth in
love" (Ephesians 4:15). - Adam Faughn
- Adam
Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be
contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy
of Faith
