2Would he argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value?
Job's "friend" Eliphaz was more than upset with Job's response to him. Job was upset because he was suffering as though wasting away and wondering why God had not moved on delivering him from his situation. Eliphaz lost his patience with Job because Job didn't accept his argument for why God had not moved. Eliphaz determined that Job spoke with useless words and that his argument was not valid. In the end, it turned out that all of Job's friends were incorrect in their arguments toward Job's suffering. Have you been in a situation where your friend's arguments differ from yours regarding your situation? What does it mean to argue? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines argue as:
1: to give reasons for or against something : reason <argue for a new policy>
2: to contend or disagree in words : dispute <argue about money>
transitive verb
1: to give evidence of : indicate argue his innocence>
2: to consider the pros and cons of : discuss <argue an issue>
3: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons : maintain argue his case>
4: to persuade by giving reasons : induce argue her out of going>
Lawyers argue their positions all the time based on evidence and ask that a decision be rendered by the people. Argue has its roots in Latin. It's from the verb argutare which means to make clear or prove. When one is discussing the circumstances of life, if God is not the source of wisdom and knowledge, then indeed whatever words are said are useless. There is wisdom and knowledge that is of God and then there is simply babble. The ability to discern between the two has a clear line. God is never contrary to His word. He is a God of decency and order. He is never the author of confusion. If there is confusion, rest assured it's not God. God is clear. Since God is the creator of every life, He always knows what's best. There is no disputing God because He just is.
P.S. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 19th! I will be having a book signing event at John 3:16 Christian Bookstore in Lanham, Md to celebrate the store's anniversary! I will be signing books, taking pictures and hugging necks so join me! You should've received your invitation.
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