“Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2, NKJV)

Job had longed for the day when God would show up to answer his questions. Then he felt that he could obtain justice. That day finally arrives! But it does not go as Job expected. God does not answer Job’s questions. Instead, He questions Job.

In his misery, Job had spoken about things that he did not understand. At one time Job had given wise counsel to others, but now his counsel was darkened. In seeking to defend himself, Job had found fault with God. None of Job’s friends could convict him of his sin. Young Elihu silenced Job but could not bring him to repentance. But now God asks Job seventy-seven questions, and before He is done, Job confesses that he is vile and vows to speak no more (40:4-5).

Words have such tremendous power, and people toss them around so carelessly. To hear the ungodly say such blasphemous things about God! What will they say when they stand before Him! They think they have knowledge; they think they are good. If they believe that God exists, then they think He doesn’t care. They act and speak as though they belong to themselves and will not give an account for the life they’ve been given. But the day is surely coming when they will be confronted with the presence of God. Then they will give an account for every idle word they have spoken (Matthew 12:36).

When we are suffering, there is deep wisdom in silence. Deep calls to deep. If Job had remained silent, he would have had so many fewer words to retract. His regrets could have been counted on one hand. When we are suffering, we would be wise to heed the words of James:

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:19–20, NLT)

We have promises of God that Job did not have. We can meditate on His complete revelation. We can be silent and hope in God, knowing that He will be our defender and deliverer. Yes, this may require extreme patience, but it leaves no regrets. We can spend more time listening to our Shepherd’s voice and less time murmuring and complaining. May God help us all to learn the wisdom of silence!