The Patience of Job

Ye have heard of the patience of Job… — James 5:11

As you read through the Book of Job, there are times when Job doesn’t appear very patient (see 7:19; 9:24, 32; 10:1-2; 13:23-24; 16:11-12; 19:7; 23:1-5; 30:20-21). “Ye have heard of the patience of Job?” Where is Job’s patience in verses like these?

The patience of Job is found in the first two chapters of Job. After losing everything dear to him, Job sat on the ground seven days and seven nights without saying a word. He was patiently bearing the loss of ten children… all his possessions … and his health. It is only after his three “friends” show up and start talking and analyzing Job’s troubles that Job’s patience begins to wear thin. If Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar would have just kept their mouth shut, Job wouldn’t have complained (16:2).

What a lesson for us. When you have a friend go through some great loss or trial, don’t try to analyze why they are suffering. Just be there for them and let them know you are praying for them. The less you say, and the more you pray, the better.