As you read through the book of Job one of the things that really strikes out at you are the sheer number of words.

I mean really - these guys go on and on and on. Sure, the style of the writing is filled with allusions and metaphors and ideas all prettied up with word pictures, but it does seem a bit excess.

Turns out it is. If you take a look at chapter 38 - the first words spoken by the Lord in answer to all the words from Job's friends read like this:

"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" (38:2)

I love it! Its kind of like He is saying "If you don't know what you are talking about - shut up!"

It reminded me of a lot of words spoken today by people who really think they know what they are talking about. Just turn on one of the cable news networks. They have expert after expert that go on and on about this and that - and we believe them.

I've also heard religious and philosophical people go on and on about what God must be like and what life is like and the human soul and all of that.

To tell you the truth, it gets a little wearying. So then along comes God and in just a few words He cuts through all the garbage and right to the chase: man is sinful, God is holy.

The good news of course is that God is also merciful and loving and went the extra mile to buy you back, but its also a good lesson for us.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

James 1:19-20 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.

Pastor Tom