"Look, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it. What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. But I would speak to the Almighty," and I desire to argue my case with God. As for you, you whitewash with lies; all of you are worthless physicians. If you would only keep silent, that would be your wisdom! Hear now my reasoning, and listen to the pleadings of my lips. Will you speak falsely for God, and speak deceitfully for him? Will you show partiality toward him, will you plead the case for God? Will it be well with you when he searches you out? Or can you deceive him, as one person deceives another?

Job 13:1-9

Job was frustrated because his friends were not paying attention to what he was saying to them. He sensed that while he was talking they were planning their next response. They were bent on trying to convince him that his suffering was punishment for sin in his life. They were not listening to the deep cry of Job’s heart.

Many of us are poor listeners too. Sometimes we give a quick answer, when a more thoughtful response is needed. Sometimes we just want people to listen to our struggles and to accept those as real.

Deep relationships are built on acceptance,

understanding, and being a good listener.

Listening may be the most loving thing you do today.

Our Daily Bread – March 18, 2004