Did I not weep for him that was in trouble.
Tears for the oppressed
By noticing the care with which Job throws back the insinuation of Eliphaz, how much he valued the character of charity, and how he esteemed it his bounden duty to contribute to the wants and necessities of others. Our text is a pathetic appeal, displaying the truly compassionate character of the patriarch. What are the tears which we may imagine fell from the eyes of Job, and which do fall from the eyes of every compassionate man that witnesses suffering and sorrow? They were tears of grief, of sincerity, of self-condemnation. But the compassionate man, like Job, may pour forth tears of indignation. For whom did compassionate Job thus weep? Lit. for “him in a hard day.” He that was suffering from privation. I now have to plead for such, for men who are suffering from over-toil and over-exertion. Special reference may be made to the “late-hour system.” (J. M’Connell Hussey, B. A.)
Christian sympathy
In endeavouring to justify the ways of God, Job’s three friends came to the harsh conclusion that he would not have been so severely afflicted if he had not been a very great sinner. Among other accusations against the afflicted patriarch, Eliphaz the Temanite had the cruelty to lay this at his door, “Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.” Richly did the three miserable comforters deserve the burning rebuke of their slandered friend, “Ye are forgers of lies, ye are physicians of no value. O that ye would altogether hold your peace and it shall be your wisdom.”
I. Human sympathy, its commendations.
1. We may say of it, first, that even nature dictateth that man should feel a sympathy for his kind. Humanity, had it remained in its unfallen estate, would have been one delightful household of brothers and sisters. Alas! for us, when Adam fell he not only violated his Maker’s laws, but in the fall he broke the unity of the race, and now we are isolated particles of manhood, instead of being what we should have been, members of one body, moved by one and the same spirit. Called with a nobler calling, let us exhibit as the result of our regenerate nature a loftier compassion for the suffering sons of men.
2. Further, we may remark that the absence of sympathy has always been esteemed, in all countries, and in all ages, one of the most abominable of vices. In old classic history who are the men held up to everlasting execration? Are they not those who had no mercy on the poor?
3. Sympathy is especially a Christian’s duty.
4. Remember the blessed example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich.”
5. Sympathy is essential to our usefulness.
6. Here I must supplement that thought with another; sympathy may often be the direct means of conversion.
7. And I shall say here, that this sympathy is sure to be a great blessing to yourselves. If you want joy--joy that you may think upon at nights, and live upon day after day, next to the joy of the Lord, which is our strength, is the joy of doing good. The selfish man thinks that he has the most enjoyment in laying out his wealth upon himself. Poor fool!
II. The hindrances to Christian sympathy.
1. One of the great impediments to Christian sympathy is our own intense selfishness. We are all selfish by nature, and it is a work of grace to break this thoroughly down, until we live to Christ, and not to self any longer. How often is the rich man tempted to think that his riches are his own.
2. Another hindrance lies in the customs of our country. We still have amongst us too much of caste and custom. The exclusiveness of rank is not readily overcome.
3. Much want of sympathy is produced by our ignorance of one another. We do not know the sufferings of our fellows.
4. No doubt the abounding deception which exists among those who seek our help has checked much liberality.
III. The fruits of Christian sympathy.
1. The fruit of Christian sympathy will be seen in a kindly association with all Christians: we shall not shun them nor pass them by.
2. It will be seen next, in a kindly encouragement of those who want aid, constantly being ready to give a word of good advice, and good cheer to the heart which is ready to faint.
3. Show it, also, whenever you hear the good name of any called into doubt. Stand up for your brethren. ‘Tis an ill bird that fouls its own nest, but there are some such birds.
4. But still, there is no Christian sympathy in all this if it does not, when needed, prove itself by real gifts of our substance. Zealous words will not warm the cold; delicate words will not feed the hungry; the freest speech will not set free the captive, or visit him in prison. (C. H. Spurgeon.).