Job 26:2-3 How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength? How hast thou counseled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
With great sarcasm, Job attacked Bildad’s comments. His friends’ theological explanations failed to bring any relief because his friends were unable to turn their knowledge into helpful counsel. It is more helpful to be present, love, and understand people than to analyze and give advice. Compassion produces greater results than criticism or blame.
Job is already beaten down, sick, weak, and powerless. He doesn’t need any more guilt and blame heaped upon the suffering soul. When people are already feeling down and out they don’t need criticism and advice; they just need compassion and caring. Human response is often advice instead of care.
Jesus used the Word to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. The Law was spoken to the proud, smug, and self-satisfied Pharisee. The Gospel was applied to the humble, weak, and needy common person. The Godly person has the wisdom to know when to criticize the proud with Law, and when to comfort the humble with the Gospel.
The wise believer knows when hear words of Law and judgment on himself to bring oneself to repentance. Then he knows when to hear words of Gospel and mercy. Hearing the Word is a necessary step, but we also need the Spirit to teach us the situations in our life that need repentance (the Law) or faith (the Gospel). We may all listen to the Word and the Spirit to wisely apply blame or mercy to ourselves at the right time.