Old Testament: Job 6.5–7

To read the Bible in a year, read Job 4–6 on June 25, In the year of our Lord Christ 2022

By Don Ruhl 

Job bewailed the day that he had been born, wishing that he had never seen the light of day because of the massive suffering that had engulfed his soul and his life. 

However, one of his closest friends did not like what Job said, and rebuked him for it. Job acknowledged that his words had been rash, but his friend should have been understanding, considering what had happened to Job. Then Job said: 

“Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass,
Or does the ox low over its fodder?
Can flavorless food be eaten without salt?
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
My soul refuses to touch them;
They are as loathsome food to me.”

– Job 6.5–7 

When the donkey has grass to eat, you will not hear him complain. Same thing with the ox. However, Job could not eat, because of his immense grief. He no longer had his grass or fodder, and so he spoke out in deep grief. 

His food had become flavorless to him, and so he would not even touch his food. 

When you see someone suffer beyond degree and then hear them say things that are not accurate, or that they go deep into grief and depression, just think of the events that have torn them up, and show compassion, not rebuking. 

Questions: 

• Have you experienced the loss of a child? 
• Is there anything to which you can compare that loss? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com