Job 6:14

Job 6:14 (KJV) delivers a powerful statement from Job, lamenting the lack of compassion he experiences from his friends during his immense suffering. The verse highlights the expected duty of friendship in times of affliction versus the spiritual implication of its absence.

Context

This verse is part of Job's deeply emotional response to the initial speech of Eliphaz the Temanite (Job 4-5). Eliphaz had implied that Job's suffering was a direct consequence of his sin, urging him to repent. Overwhelmed by his physical pain and emotional distress, Job defends himself and, in Job 6, expresses his bitter disappointment in his friends. He expected comfort and support, but instead received condemnation and harsh judgment. Job 6:14 encapsulates his feeling that his friends, by withholding compassion, have effectively abandoned a fundamental aspect of their faith and duty, which is to show mercy to the afflicted.

Key Themes

• The Duty of Friendship and Compassion: The first part of the verse, "To him that is afflicted pity [should be shewed] from his friend," establishes a universal expectation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, and indeed in most societies, true friendship is characterized by loyalty and support, especially during times of hardship. Job feels this fundamental bond has been broken, adding to his profound sorrow. This echoes the biblical emphasis on a friend loving at all times.
• The Betrayal of Divine Principle: The second clause, "but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty," is a sharp indictment. Job implies that the friend who withholds pity from the suffering is not merely failing in human duty but is also demonstrating a lack of reverence for God. The "fear of the Almighty" (Shaddai) signifies a deep respect, obedience, and devotion to God. To abandon compassion for the suffering is, in Job's view, to abandon a core tenet of living in alignment with God's character.
• Integrity in Suffering: While Job's friends accuse him of lacking integrity, Job turns the accusation back on them. He suggests that their lack of empathy reveals their own spiritual deficiency. This highlights a crucial aspect of the book of Job: the challenge of maintaining faith and showing mercy when faced with inexplicable suffering, both from the perspective of the one suffering and those observing.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word often translated "pity" or "kindness" in the first part of the verse implies chesed (חֶסֶד), meaning loyal love, steadfast kindness, or covenant faithfulness. Job expects a compassionate loyalty that is rooted in a deeper, covenantal understanding of relationship. The phrase "fear of the Almighty" (יִרְאַת שַׁדַּי - yir'at Shaddai) emphasizes a reverent awe and obedience to God, often associated with wisdom and moral uprightness in the Old Testament, as seen in Proverbs 1:7.

Practical Application

Job 6:14 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion, particularly towards those who are afflicted. It challenges us to examine our own responses to suffering, both in others and in ourselves. True friendship, rooted in a genuine love for God and neighbor, compels us to offer support and understanding rather than judgment or abandonment. When we withhold compassion, we risk betraying not only our fellow human beings but also the very principles of faith and the character of God we claim to uphold. This verse calls believers to embody the mercy and steadfast love that God Himself demonstrates.