Day 146: Job 16, 17 and 18

What ails you that you keep on arguing? (Job 16:3)

Job referring to his friends as miserable comforters (v. 2) reminds me of the SNL character Debbie Downer played by actress/comedienne Rachel Dratch. Debbie was that socially awkward acquaintance (we all know one) who shares depressing anecdotal information guaranteed to cast a pall over any gathering.

In one episode while the whole gang is enjoying breakfast in a Magic Kingdom novelty restaurant, one cast member says how great steak and eggs sound. Debbie’s reply: Ever since they found mad cow disease in the U.S. I’m not taking any chances. It can live in your body for years before it ravages your brain. We know she’s a lot of fun at parties.

Job goes on to say, If you were in my place, I could speak just like you. But my mouth would encourage you; my words of comfort would bring you relief (vv. 4,5 my paraphrase).

Let’s face it: some people seem to have the spiritual gift of discouragement… they’re pathological downers. Moms-to-be heading for the delivery room don’t need to hear horror stories about the pain of childbirth. People scheduled for a tax audit don’t need to be regaled with accounts of someone else’s IRS nightmares.

If you’re an encourager, keep it up. You are sure to be welcome in any gathering. If you’re a Debbie (or Donny) Downer, maybe you should just not talk.

Do you light up a room by entering it? Or by leaving it?