SPIRITUAL GEMS: Week of November 6 to 12, 2023, Job 13 to 14, Answers.

SPIRITUAL GEMS: November 6-12, 2023, Job 13 to 14, Answers.

Spiritual Gems (10 min.)

Job 13:12. Why did Job say that the words of his so-called friends were “proverbs of ashes”? (it-1 461).

Job said that the words of his so-called friends "were proverbs of ashes," because he considered them to be empty and worthless and offered no true comfort.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

With the ashes the insignificant or worthless was also represented, Son with for the sayings of his false comforters to "Proverbs of ashes." This means that just as Abraham referred to himself as "Dust and ashes" to denote his own insignificance, Job applies this metaphor to the words of his friends. He is saying that his enemies are offering advice and proverbs that are empty, useless and insubstantial, just like ashes. Suggesting that his advice is worthless and is not providing him with the help or comfort he needs in his suffering situation.

According to the Biblical passages of Genesis 18:27, Isaiah 44:20 and Job 30:19, Job compared the words of his supposed friends to ashes, because he recognized his own insignificance and fragility before God. By referring to himself as “dust and ashes” compared to the greatness of Jehovah, Job understood that the words of his friends were just as insignificant, empty and of no real value in an attempt to comfort him in the midst of the suffering of he.

In ancient times ashes were commonly associated with uselessness or worthlessness, as it was a residue of something that had been burned or destroyed.

Job was going through a difficult time and his friends were trying to comfort him with words that did not help him at all. Therefore, Job compared them to ashes, so to speak that those words he was hearing were worthless, or useless.

And this situation shows us the importance of being empathetic and compassionate when comforting someone who is going through difficulties, avoiding offering empty words or chiches without real value. Instead, it is important to listen and try to understand the person's pain and needs, offering genuine support and meaningful words of encouragement.

And comparing with the advice that was given to Job, we see that Job feels frustrated and expresses discontent because these words demonstrate a lack of true wisdom and understanding of his situation, so their way of providing support is ineffective and not genuine.

The lesson we can draw is that if we want our words to not be proverbs of ashes, we must keep in mind that giving comfort in times of difficulty involves listening, showing empathy, avoiding judgment, offering sincere support and learning to be present when our Friends need us to be compassionate and supportive.

Looking for information on what a Proverb means, the dictionary says that it is a phrase of popular origin traditionally repeated invariably, in which a moral thought or advice or teaching is expressed, taking into account this meaning, the words of the Job's supposed friends were Proberbs, but from ashes, which were only insinuations and accusations that had no value or any moral teaching. For this reason, when the time came for Job to speak, he said that the words of these three supposed friends were like ashes that the wind could carry away. These words turned out to be such that the only thing they achieved was to cause Job a lot of pain.

Well we can learn here that ashes were also used to represent something worthless, something insignificant. That is why Abraham said before God that he was dust and ashes, that is, nothing. Just as the false friends he had were nothing, that is, their words, they did not help him at all.

The same text finishes expanding this idea when it says that these words were as fragile as mud defenses, that is, they contributed absolutely nothing, and well according to them they were wise, but in reality they were not really useful at all. This leaves us with a valuable lesson about how we use our words, whether they are significant or insignificant words, words with value or words without value.

What spiritual pearls have you found about Jehovah, ministry, and other topics in this week's Bible reading?

Job 13:3. We can apply this text in our daily lives as Christians, by always seeking to speak sincerely and honestly before God. Instead of hiding our worries, doubts, or concerns, we should bring them openly to him, trusting that he hears and understands us.

Job 13:12. We already saw that this meant that their words were of no use. This makes us think individually if our words edify others, encourage, help. Without a doubt we want to avoid being people like Job's supposed friends, we want to use our words to help, not to harm others unfairly, and a place to start doing so is in our home, if we have children we can help them with their self-esteem or finish destroying their self-esteem with our words. So let's be friends, not executioners or enemies of our family and of course our brothers.

Job 13:28. It teaches us how insignificant we are, and how much we need rescue, we cannot stop the process of death, nor wear and tear. This helps us cultivate and maintain humility about others; with each passing day we wear out, and eventually more, just like the clothes that moths eat.

Job 13:13. This text can help us in the ministry especially after we ask a question to the householder, of course in many areas of life, the important thing is to listen to others, without interrupting when they are speaking, that is why Job tells them to stay quiet to that I speak.

Job 13:9. It makes us think if today Jehovah examines us, examines me, how I am, how would I be before God? It is a good question, since the text says that no one can deceive or mock God. And this is so because Jehovah sees the whole heart, the motives, the intentions, the essence, even our DNA, who we really are. Yes, so this motivates us to make our effort to continue in integrity every day, even if others do not notice it in Jehovah if he notices it.

Job 13:7. He teaches us how important it is to avoid lying, according to us to defend Jehovah or to defend the truth. In fact Job said in this verse that God does not need us to lie on his behalf to defend him. Well, throughout life we ​​could go through situations in which someone may feel tempted to resort to lying, according to him to defend Jehovah. Without a doubt that is something that Jehovah does not approve of and we do not want to fall.

Job 13:4. Job tells his false friends: You are littering me with lies, you are all useless doctors. Well then here we learn the importance of taking care of our words, since without realizing it we could be misleading others with malicious lies, and this would be harmful to us too.

Job 13:6. It teaches us about the importance of learning to listen, instead of assuming or prejudging, we can listen, and learn to see beyond words. This helps us make the other person feel understood. 

Job 13:4. The same verse teaches us another very valuable pearl, there he calls his supposed friends useless doctors, Job compared his false friends, as useless doctors, instead of healing or helping they were killing him while he was alive with their malicious words. Just as the saying goes, with friends like that why do you want enemies. Without a doubt, Job's supposed friends are an example that we do not want to imitate. 

Job 13:1 . It teaches us how important it is to ask Jehovah to help us see and hear spiritually, and we say this because there are people far from God who have eyes but do not see, ears but do not hear. 

Job 13:4. It makes me think that Job could have perhaps distanced himself from God because of these false friends, but that was not the case, from which we can learn to defend our faith and our relationship with God, not allowing the lies or erroneous opinions of others to distance us. of the truth.

Job 13:4. We can apply this text in our daily lives as Christians to be careful not to spread lies or falsehoods about others. We must be honest in our words and avoid speaking unfairly or deceiving others for our own benefit. Instead we must seek truth and justice, and be advocates of truth in all our interactions and conversations.

Job 13:9. It teaches us that Job questions whether his friends would try to deceive God as they do him. Job recognizes that God is the only one who can examine and judge justly, and that God cannot be deceived as one would deceive a mortal man. This teaches us about the sovereignty and omniscience of Jehovah God, who knows all things and cannot be deceived.

Job 13:3. It teaches us that Job recognizes Jehovah God as the Almighty and desires to have a direct encounter with him. Job longs to present his case before God and defend his innocence. This reveals the confidence and faith that Job has in the justice and power of God. In the same way, when we are perhaps unjustly accused or slander is said about us, we must always seek to have a clear conscience and, above all, have an impeccable reputation. before Jehovah who sees everything.

Job 13:20. When we go through complicated situations we might think the same as what Job said in this text, but we must remember that we must trust in God and keep our hope in him. Even in the midst of trials and difficulties. Even if it seems like God has abandoned us or that he is not listening to our prayers, we must persevere in our faith and continue trusting in his justice and sovereignty.

Job 13:15. We see that Job declares his trust in God and his determination to remain faithful to him. Even in the midst of difficulties and trials. Despite adverse circumstances and unjust accusations, Job states that he will continue to wait on God and plead his case before him. This teaches us the importance of remaining loyal to God in all circumstances. Even if our lives are in danger, we must completely trust in our loving heavenly father, Jehovah.

Job 13:3. Job said, that for his part he would rather speak to the Almighty. This verse teaches us that in moments of having been, it is important to have faith and maintain communication with Jehovah, Job sought answers and comfort in Jehovah, this highlights the importance of the personal relationship with God.

Job 13:1-3. In these passages we can also see that Job expresses his desire to speak with God and present his case. This teaches me the importance of seeking truth and justice in difficult situations. But it also reminds me that the most important thing is to settle our affairs with Jehovah.

Job 13:4,5. These texts show how Job accuses those who judge him of lying of being useless doctors. This teaches me the importance of spiritual healing and shows that not everyone is qualified to heal a sick person spiritually, since that training comes from Jehovah.

Job 13:1-3. We see how Job declares that he also knows the same as those who judge him. This reminds us that we all deserve to be heard and valued, regardless of our circumstances.

Job 13:4,5. We see how Job suggests that his judges should remain silent, thereby demonstrating wisdom. This reminds me of the importance of listening carefully and reflecting before speaking. Also the importance of valuing the power of silence in a certain situation.

Job 13:6. This text shows how Job calls for attention to his reasons and the defense of his words. This teaches me the importance of giving others the opportunity to express themselves and be heard with attention and respect.

Job 13:1-3. These texts show how he claims that he has seen and heard what is happening around him. This teaches us the importance of being observant and understanding what is happening in our lives.

Job 13:6. From this same passage we can extract another very valuable pearl, since we see that Job claims the right to present his defense and argue his points of view. This reminds me of the importance of allowing people to defend themselves and present their reasons before jumping to conclusions.

Job 13:4-6. Job suggests that if his friends remained silent, they would demonstrate wisdom. Sometimes wisdom lies in listening and reflecting before speaking. It is not always necessary to give an immediate answer or advice and it also teaches us that listening carefully to others can strengthen empathy and mutual understanding.

Job 13:4,5. In this text, Job's accusation of his judges shows me that I must be careful to avoid judging others, and even not to comment on situations for which I do not have solid evidence or a complete understanding of what happened.

Job 13:6. In this passage we also see how he seeks to communicate clearly and directly, seeking to have his arguments considered. This teaches me the importance of open and honest communication in our relationships, allowing for constructive dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

Job 13:4-6. These same verses show us the importance of not judging others, without fully understanding their situation. Job feels that his friends have judged him unfairly and hastily, which can lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships. For this reason, it is crucial to try to understand the perspective of others before making judgments.

Job 13:17. Job seeks to make his words clearly understood. This teaches us the importance of communicating effectively, using clear and concise language to avoid misunderstandings in our conversations.

Job 13:7-13. These texts show how Job questions whether his friends are speaking unfairly and telling lies. This teaches me that it is essential to be honest when we speak in the name of God and not distort the truth for personal gain.

Job 13:17. From this same verse we can extract another Pearl, since Job is seeking to be heard and understood by his friends, despite the differences of opinion they may have. In our personal relationships, it is essential that we listen to others and give them the opportunity to express themselves, even if we do not agree with them. He at the same time calls for reflection and consideration of his words. In our conversations, it is important to think before we speak and consider how our words can affect others.

Job 13:7-13. These texts also show how they criticize the supposed wise words of their friends, comparing them as "proverbs of ashes" and their defenses with "defenses of clay." This teaches me that false and misleading arguments lack solidity and cannot stand up to true evaluation no matter who they come from inside or outside the congregation.

Job 13:16. This text gives me assurance that in the presence of Jehovah, justice will prevail and the wicked will not be able to prevail.

Job 13:17,18. These verses teach me the importance of being heard and that in the face of conflict, they pay attention to our words and statements. It also shows the importance of preparing and having our position justified before filing a return.

Job 13:7-13. We see that Job raises the question of whether his friends could deceive God as they would deceive a mortal man. This lesson reminds me that Jehovah knows our hearts and cannot be deceived. Hence we must be sincere and genuine in our relationship with him.

Job 13:13-15. In these texts Job teaches me the courage and determination I must have to defend my integrity.

Job 13:16. This text also shows us the importance of living a life of reverence and obedience to Jehovah, to be able to approach him without fear.

Job 13:19-21. These texts show the importance of expressing our concerns and struggles before Jehovah, and the need not to remain silent in the face of difficulties and tribulations.

Job 13:16. This text teaches me that I must put my trust in Jehovah, because he is my salvation so I can turn to him at all times.

Job 13:13-15. These verses teach me that I must be willing to accept what Jehovah allows to happen, no matter the circumstances. As well as perseverance in hope and trust in Jehovah, especially in times of great difficulty.

Job 13:21. This verse also reflects Job's patience despite his suffering. For despite his distress, Job continues to seek Jehovah and trust in him. This can be a lesson for us about the importance of continuing patience in the midst of tests.

Job 13:13-15. In these texts Job teaches us the importance of maintaining faith and trust in Jehovah, even in the midst of trials and suffering.

Job 13:7-13. We can also learn a very valuable lesson from these passages, as Job asks his friends to stay quiet so he can speak. This teaches me the importance of listening carefully to others before responding, avoiding interruptions and showing respect.

Job 13:24-28. We see the feeling of abandonment and helplessness that Job experiences as he feels that God considers him his enemy. Also shown is the comparison of Job with a leaf blown by the wind and dry stubble, thus showing his vulnerability and fragility in contrast to the power of God. This illustrates how those who have sinned against God can feel. Hence the importance of confessing our sins.

Job 13:22-23. Here we also see Job's desire to receive divine correction and guidance to recognize and rectify his mistakes. This teaches us that we too should ask Jehovah in prayer to help us identify our errors and faults and help us correct them.

Job 14:1. He reminds us that the man born of a woman has a short life full of problems, this is undoubtedly a consequence of the sin inherited from Adam, but at the same time he teaches us to appreciate and be grateful for the rescue.

Job 14:14,15. The hope of the resurrection can be sustained by facing any trial that Satan throws against us.

Job 14:1. Job compares the life of man to a flower that sprouts and quickly withers. This does not remind us how ephemeral human existence can be. Life is precious and fragile, and we must appreciate it at all times.

Job 14:14,15. It teaches us that Jehovah will bring a new world where he will make all things new and all the bad things that have been experienced and are being experienced will not be remembered nor will they rise to the heart. Hence the importance of clinging to these eternal promises.

Job 14:1. From this verse we also extract a very valuable pearl, since it teaches us not to judge hastily, instead of judging and belittling others, it is important to listen to and consider their points of view. Wisdom should not be confused with arrogance.

Job 13:23. This verse teaches us about Jehovah that he is the source of life, he is the creator and that thanks to him we exist and move. This also teaches us that life has immense value and is a Divine gift. This leads us to appreciate and respect life in all its forms.

Job 13:22-23. These texts show the importance of having open and sincere communication with Jehovah. And the humility to recognize that we are all prone to making mistakes and sins.

Job 14:14-15. Job points out that man's life is full of problems. This reflects the reality that we face challenges and difficulties throughout our lives. Instead of being surprised by problems, we should be prepared to face them courageously, but we should have confidence that if we seek help and guidance from Jehovah, he will give it to us.

Job 13:28. Job is willing to examine himself for flaws. Learning to be self-critical and recognize our mistakes is essential for growth in a personal and spiritual sense. By asking God to show him his mistakes, Job demonstrates humility. This is a great lesson for us to recognize that as imperfect human beings we fail and when we accept our mistakes, we must strive to improve in order to please Jehovah.

Job 14:14-15. It teaches us that Job has the hope that after his death, God will remember him and call him back to life, and we, for our part, must have that same hope in our hearts and serve Jehovah with complete loyalty, so that they can put our names in the book of life.

Job 14:8,9. It is mentioned here that despite the apparent death of the root and stump of the tree, it will sprout and put forth branches like a new plant at the smell of water. This image contrasts the hope of the resurrection. Which is a reminder that Jehovah can restore life to those who have died.

Job 14:1. This text tells us that man, born of a woman, has a short life. Which reminds us of the ephemeral nature of our existence, here in this system. Therefore, the servants of Jehovah must make the best use of our time as the Bible advises us.

Job 14:8,9. In these verses Job mentions the importance of roots. He talks about how, although the root of a tree may grow old and die in the ground, it still has the ability to sprout and grow again when its roots smell the water. This teaches me the importance of having strong and deep roots in a spiritual sense, since they are not only essential to keep us alive now, but also in the future.

Job 14:1. This text shows us a great truth. Life in this world is full of problems. So we should not be surprised by the reality of facing difficulties, challenges and suffering on our spiritual path.

Job 14:1-3. In these texts Job describes man's life as short and full of problems. This reminds us of the importance of taking advantage of every moment and valuing the life we ​​have been given.

Job 14:11-12. In these verses Job states that once a man lies down, he no longer gets up. This statement underscores the reality of death as an experience that we will all face and that there is no turning back after it occurs as long as this system dominated by Satan remains. Fortunately we have the certain hope of resurrection and eternal life in the new world so we do not have a sick fear of death.

Job 14:14,15. This verse begins with the rhetorical question of whether a man can live again after death. This highlights the reality of a mortal condition and the inevitability of death. Job compared death to obligatory labor and forced waiting, a burden from which Jehovah could free him. I can use this text in the Ministry to explain the hope of the resurrection and how Jehovah will defeat death.

Job 14:13. It shows Job's request to be hidden in the grave, reflecting his desire to find tranquility and protection in the face of the difficulties and afflictions he is experiencing. Many people have this same feeling today due to terminal illnesses, emotional and economic problems, wars, the death of loved ones, among other things. Hence the importance of continuing to bring the encouraging message of the Bible to all these people who are suffering.

Job 14:14,15. Here Job expresses his willingness to look forward to every day of his obligatory service. This reveals his patience in the midst of adversity and his future hope in the resurrection. The servants of Jehovah want to live in paradise, but if we have to wait for the days of our obligatory service, we must have the same willingness as Job to wait for the resurrection.

Job 14:8,9. In this same text we find another Pearl that teaches us a very important lesson, since these verses mention the aging process of a root on Earth and how, over time, a new plant emerges. This teaches me that I must be patient and trust that, over time, difficult situations can change and that Jehovah can bring about new opportunities.

Job 14:14,15. This verse reveals Job's confidence and faith that there is hope beyond death. With his words he reveals Jehovah's desire to restore life to people who have died. They also reveal his faith and his assurance that Jehovah will not forget him when he is in the grave. That teaches me that I should have the same security.

Job 14:11-12. It shows how Job comparing the depletion of the waters of the sea and the drying up of a river illustrates the idea that everything in life has a cycle and eventually comes to an end. This teaches me that I must give importance to each day of my existence and make the most of it and my service to Jehovah.

Job 14:14,15. He shows how Job is willing to wait by recognizing that his obligatory service has a limit and that his Liberation can only come when that deadline is met. Hence he begged Jehovah not to forget him. This teaches me that although I have conviction in the fulfillment of divine promises, Jehovah sees no harm in us asking him not to forget to fulfill them when the time comes.

Job 14:10. In this text Job recognizes that death is something that all human beings must face at some point in their lives. This situation has not yet changed, but thanks to what we have learned in the Bible, we know the state of the dead and we are convinced that the promise of the resurrection will be fulfilled in due time.

Job 14:14,15. I can use this text in the Ministry to teach that, Jehovah in his perfect justice will give even those who have died the opportunity to live in paradise.

Job 14:4,5. In these texts he poses a rhetorical question about the ability to transform someone impure into someone pure. This shows us that we are not capable of altering our nature or spiritually cleansing ourselves, even through our own efforts.

Job 14:15,16. These texts show that Jehovah is always ready to hear our calls and answer our prayers. Even when we go through difficult times, we can trust that he is attentive to our needs.

Job 14:1-3. In this verse we see how despite the fragility and brevity of human life, Job recognizes that God sets his eyes on man. This teaches us that even in the midst of our struggles and suffering, God is present and has a purpose for our lives.

Job 14:14,15. It shows how Job's anguish was so painful that for him life was like arduous and exhausting compulsory work. And how in the same way he would compare the time that the human being spends in Sheol from the moment he dies until he is resurrected with a forced period similar to obligatory work. Today, many see this life full of suffering in the same way as Job.

Job 14:15,16. These verses make me reflect that throughout our lives, we long to see and experience the fulfillment of the promises that Jehovah has prepared for us. Job was sure that that moment would come because it is Jehovah's desire. So it teaches us that we must have the same conviction as Job.

Job 14:17. In this text Job recognizes that his sins and offenses are kept in a sealed bag. This reinforces the idea that we are responsible for our actions and We must face the consequences of our mistakes.

Job 14:1. In this same passage we can find another very important lesson, since this text, by mentioning that we are born of a woman, makes us reflect on our inability to completely control the events of our lives.

Job 14:17. Here we see a metaphor of sealing error with glue, which suggests that our offenses and sins are permanent and difficult to correct by ourselves. This reminds us of the importance of seeking Jehovah's forgiveness and mercy.

Job 14:6,7. In these verses Job speaks of hope in the midst of adversity. He talks about the hope that trees have to sprout again and grow after being cut down. We can apply this idea to our own lives. Even in times of adversity and suffering, there is always hope for a new beginning with Jehovah's help.

Job 14:4,5. Here it is pointed out that a limit has been placed on human life that cannot be exceeded. Consequently, this text encourages me to reflect on the brevity of life and to live each day with purpose and meaning.

Job 14:1. This text shows the need to find meaning and purpose in our lives, given that it is short and full of problems.

Job 14:17. These words give us the idea of ​​symbolizing the weight and burden we carry due to our sins with a sealed bag. This reminds me of the importance of acknowledging our faults, genuinely repenting, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with Jehovah God.

Job 14:6,7. From this same text we can learn another important lesson, since here we see that Job talks about the resilience of life. The example of the tree that sprouts again shows us the ability of life to renew and move forward despite obstacles. This lesson inspires us to be resilient and find ways to adapt and grow even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances.

Job 14:17. This text teaches me that even though our offenses are sealed and our mistakes seem permanent, Jehovah has the power and will to forgive us if we repent from the heart, and the reason is because his love and mercy are stronger than our mistakes.