Bad Advice From Good Friends

After Job had lost everything including his health three so called friends show up to supposedly comfort him. I don't think that they did a very good job. Job got bad advice from a good friends. In chapter 4 and verse 8 the first friend says:

 ⁸ My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same.

 He in reality told Job the reason for his troubles was punishment for something he had done wrong. We know that was not the case. So in your life be careful in thinking that when something bad happens to someone that they have it coming. Sometime perhaps they do other times maybe not.

 Here is some more bad advice from his dear friend in chapter 5
 ²⁰ He will save you from death in time of famine, from the power of the sword in time of war.  ²¹ You will be safe from slander and have no fear when destruction comes.
 ²² You will laugh at destruction and famine; wild animals will not terrify you.
 ²³ You will be at peace with the stones of the field, and its wild animals will be at peace with you.  ²⁴ You will know that your home is safe. When you survey your possessions, nothing will be missing. ²⁵ You will have many children; your descendants will be as plentiful as grass!  ²⁶ You will go to the grave at a ripe old age,  like a sheaf of grain harvested at the proper time!

Can God do all of these things? Of course. Will he, maybe not. One of the biggest problems with some in Christian circles, including Job's friend here is thinking that just because you are a Christian everything will be smooth sailing. We know that is not the case for Job. In fact if you are a Christian you should expect trouble. The what are called the health and wealth preachers want you to think that as soon as you accept Christ you will be immediately blessed. You will, but not necessarily with health and wealth. For these people who expect these types of blessings, when trouble come they blame God and the relationship ends.

So watch out for bad advice from good friends and if you are a friend make sure you give good advice. Know your Bible so you can give good advice and detect bad advice.