Reprimand
I am not beyond being called out for a mistake or a misstep. I’m pretty sure that I’ve made more than one mistake in my life. I really do try to learn from my mistakes and missteps. I really don’t like receiving a reprimand or giving out a reprimand. The official definition of reprimand is: a severe reproof or rebuke, especially a formal one by a person in authority. (dictionary.com) I’ve had a lot of informal reprimands over the years from the Word of God. My life doesn’t always line up with the Word and that is a problem.
Job is evidently being a bit pushy with God regarding all that he is being hit with. His family is gone, his livestock gone and his health is gone. To say that Job is emotional is a big understatement. I hear his frustration, his discouragement woven through his words. One of his friends pushes back on him and I think reprimands him for talking to God that way. Check this out…
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
2 ‘Would a wise person answer with empty notions
or fill their belly with the hot east wind?
3 Would they argue with useless words,
with speeches that have no value?
4 But you even undermine piety
and hinder devotion to God.
5 Your sin prompts your mouth;
you adopt the tongue of the crafty.
6 Your own mouth condemns you, not mine;
your own lips testify against you. (Job 15:1-6 NIV)
Job’s friend was calling him out for speaking to God in a harsh or hard way. I believe his friends mean well, but their rebuke and reprimand is not at all what Job needs. I don’t think Job needed advice. I don’t think Job needed rebuke. I do think he needed comfort and support from his friends but instead he got lecture and free advice.
I would be wise to reprimand very cautiously.
I would be wise to give advice carefully and thoughtfully.
I believe that words have great weight and deep meaning – I must choose them carefully when coming alongside a friend who is hurting or suffering. Words can also be cheap and meaningless if the strength of the relationship is gone. I believe reprimand and rebuke can be very negative and harsh, but if done inside a strong relationship can be very helpful and a growth experience. Hard words without relationship can be very destructive instead of constructive. I’d be wise to choose carefully my use of words.
Pressing On!
Dwayne