Job 6:14 “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 6:14, Job is lamenting the lack of compassion he has received from his friends during his time of suffering. Job is saying that withholding kindness from a suffering friend is not just a failure of human decency, but also a betrayal of the fear and respect we owe to God. In other words, showing kindness, especially to those who are in distress, is not optional—it is a reflection of our reverence for God Himself. To refuse to be compassionate is, in a sense, to forsake a basic principle of godliness.
Job is pointing out that his friends have failed him by not offering comfort when he needed it most. Instead of kindness, they’ve been harsh and judgmental, suggesting that Job’s suffering must be due to some hidden sin. Job sees this as a moral failure, not only because they’ve abandoned him in his time of need, but because in doing so, they have ignored a core aspect of living faithfully before God.
Historical Context
In the cultural and religious context of Job’s time, hospitality, kindness, and friendship were highly valued. To show kindness to someone in need, particularly to a friend, was seen as a moral and religious obligation. In the ancient world, community and mutual support were essential, especially in times of distress or hardship. Job’s friends were expected to comfort and support him, but instead, they approached him with accusations and judgments, suggesting that he must have done something wrong to deserve such suffering.
In the broader biblical context, showing compassion to those who suffer is often seen as an expression of true faith. Job’s friends failed in this regard, and Job is highlighting that this failure reflects a deeper issue—by withholding kindness, they have disregarded the basic principles of fearing God, which includes loving others and showing mercy.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Job 6:14 emphasizes the connection between how we treat others and our relationship with God. Job’s friends failed to show him kindness, which Job sees as a failure in their relationship with God as well. This verse teaches that compassion and kindness toward others, especially in their suffering, is not just an act of human decency but an act of worship and reverence toward God. Our kindness to others is a reflection of our understanding of God’s character and commands.
This verse also challenges the idea that people deserve their suffering. Job’s friends assumed that he must have done something wrong to bring such calamity upon himself, but Job rejects this thinking. Instead, he argues that their duty, as friends and as people who fear God, is to show kindness and support, regardless of the reasons behind his suffering.
Literary Analysis
Job 6:14 uses strong language to make a moral point. The phrase “withholds kindness” suggests an intentional act of neglect, emphasizing that Job’s friends chose not to show compassion. The second part of the verse, “forsakes the fear of the Almighty,” connects human behavior directly to one’s spiritual standing before God. This structure highlights the gravity of the situation: failing to show kindness is not just a social misstep, but a spiritual failure.
The literary tone of the verse is one of accusation and disappointment. Job is calling out his friends for abandoning him, and he ties their failure to a lack of fear of God, making this a serious indictment of their character. It adds to the overall theme of Job’s speech, where he contrasts true godliness with the shallow, judgmental attitudes of his friends.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” This verse reflects the idea that true friendship is shown in times of difficulty, exactly what Job is lacking from his friends.
- James 2:13 – “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James teaches that mercy is more important than judgment, echoing Job’s call for compassion.
- Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Jesus emphasizes the importance of showing mercy, reinforcing the principle that how we treat others is linked to our relationship with God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 6:14 is a reminder that showing kindness and compassion is not just a good deed—it is central to living out our faith. When we see others suffering, our response should be one of mercy and support, not judgment or indifference. This verse challenges us to evaluate how we respond to others in need, especially those who are going through difficult or painful situations.
It’s easy to withhold kindness when we don’t understand why someone is suffering or when we believe they brought it upon themselves. However, Job 6:14 calls us to move beyond judgment and to offer the love and support that reflects God’s mercy. Our actions toward others are a reflection of our reverence for God, and by showing kindness, we are living out His commands.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reminds us that God’s character is rooted in love and compassion. Just as Job’s friends were expected to show kindness, God always acts with mercy toward His people. By connecting kindness to the fear of God, Job is highlighting that one of the ways we reflect God’s character is through our compassion for others.
God does not abandon us in our suffering, and He calls us to show the same kind of love and mercy to those around us. A loving God values kindness and expects His people to reflect His heart by caring for those in need. Job’s plea for kindness in this verse echoes God’s call for His people to be merciful, compassionate, and loving in all circumstances.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Job 6:14 points directly to the compassion of Jesus Christ. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently showed kindness and mercy to those who were suffering, outcast, or marginalized. In Matthew 9:36, we see that Jesus had compassion on the crowds because they were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus’ entire ministry was one of mercy, and He never withheld kindness from anyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Jesus is the ultimate example of the kind of compassion Job longs for in this verse. In fact, Jesus went beyond showing kindness—He laid down His life for us, demonstrating the greatest act of love and mercy. Through His sacrifice, we are called to follow His example by showing mercy and kindness to others, especially in their time of need.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt abandoned or judged by friends during a difficult time? How did their response affect you?
- What does Job 6:14 teach us about the importance of kindness and compassion in our relationships?
- How can we better reflect God’s character by showing kindness and mercy to others, even when we don’t fully understand their suffering?
- In what ways does Jesus’ example of compassion and mercy challenge us to respond to others who are hurting?
- How can we make sure that we are not withholding kindness from those who need it most in our own lives?