Attracting flies

Jon Flaming

Central Truth

What we say and how we say it matters.

"[H]ow much less a mortal man, who is but a maggot – a son of man, who is only a worm." (Job 25:6)

Bildad Speaks: Man Cannot Be Righteous

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:

2 “Dominion and fear are with God;^{1

25:2
Hebrew him}
    he makes peace in his high heaven.
3 Is there any number to his armies?
    Upon whom does his light not arise?
4 How then can man be in the right before God?
    How can he who is born of woman be pure?
5 Behold, even the moon is not bright,
    and the stars are not pure in his eyes;
6 how much less man, who is a maggot,
    and the son of man, who is a worm!”

Footnotes

[1] 25:2 Hebrew him

There’s an old adage that "you can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar." While I’ve never intentionally tried to attract flies, I know exactly what it means. When dealing with people, it is more important to love and understand them than to analyze them or give them advice. A soft and compassionate heart will be attractive and will produce greater results than criticism or blame.

Job’s friend Bildad lacked compassion and his dogmatic approach left Job heavy-hearted and uninspired. Bildad found it easier to blame Job than to encourage him and build him up during the most difficult time in his life. Like Job, I am not sure I would respond well if, when at my lowest point, the folks around me compared me to a maggot.

How much sweeter and more attractive would Bildad’s words have been if he had said something like this: "Hey Job, I am so sorry that you are experiencing the worst of life right now. I can only imagine how hard this is for you. Know this – even in this most painful time, God loves you and is with you. His Word assures us that He will walk through this trial with you even though it may seem like He is not around or that He doesn't care about what is happening to you. I am here for you, and I am praying for you. Let me be His hands and feet to help you."

Proverbs 12:18 says: "Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing." The next time we are faced with a friend or family member who is suffering, let’s be slow to judge and quick to love. Encouraging words are sweet like honey and always more attractive.

1. How do I desire others to respond to me in times of pain and suffering?

2. Are my words hurtful or healing?

3. From whom do I need to seek forgiveness for not being more compassionate?