In chapter 16, Job finally tells his friends how he would be speaking to one of them if the tables were switched. He tells them that he would speak encouraging and consoling words, instead of the hurtful, accusatory things they’ve been saying to him.

He tells them that they’ve put him in a no win position. If he speaks to them, it doesn’t help because they twist his words and use them against him and he feels worse. If he keeps quiet, they accuse him of being sullen. If he says he’s done nothing wrong, he’s charged with pride or lying, if he doesn’t answer their charges, his silence is taken as a confession.

Have you ever been in a similar position? No matter what you say, your words are used against you. If you don’t defend yourself, you’re assumed to be guilty. I have, and it’s no fun. I’ve lost many nights of sleep because of this kind of situation.

It’s good to remember that Jesus was wrongfully charged when he stood before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate. On one occasion, he maintained his silence. On the other, he spoke without addressing the charges directly. In any case, he understands the heartbreak of the situation. At times such as this, it is good to know that we have a Savior who understands.

I would love to hear your comments. If you’d like to leave a comment or a word of encouragement, email me at st***@*************ia.com or leave a comment on the show notes page at 319.lifespringmedia.com. . Or tweet me at _stevewebb_ #LifespringMedia.

Since this is Friday, we won’t see each other until Monday. Beginning next week, I’m going to be participating in a little event called the Dog Days of Podcasting. About 17 of us are taking up the challenge to put up a show a day for thirty days straight, from August 4th to September 4th. Of course, I’m already doing five shows a week, so doing the Saturday and Sunday shows shouldn’t be all that hard. We’ll see. The weekend shows will be a break from the Bible show, though. I’ll probably do a few of the old shows I used to do. Lifespring! HymnStories, In Touch With God’s Character, maybe a music show, a Lifespring! show. We’ll see. Anyway, don’t be surprised when you start seeing shows from me on the weekends in August. I just thought you’d like to know. I’ll have more details for you as the month progresses.