“Your words have kept men on their feet, the weak-kneed you have nerved” (Job 4:4 MOF).
Here Eliphaz is reminding his friend Job of how he has ministered to others in the past. In verse three Eliphaz remembers how Job “set right, and put strength into feeble souls” (Mof). Then in verse four he states that Job has given people words that have kept them on their feet.
This ability and capacity should be desired by all of us. In our speech, we can major on ministry. We can learn to use words that have a beneficial and supportive effect upon people. Our words can put people down or stand them up.
Words can hurt or heal, blister or bless, destroy or deliver, tear down or build up. Job’s words were so encouraging, they kept men on their feet and gave strength to the weak.
Some church groups and ministries which are now moving into prophecy (giving people words from the Lord) need to learn to put the emphasis on the positive promises of God. Before presuming to issue words of rebuke from the Lord, they first need to learn to speak forth His words of encouragement.
The Lord tells us to edify or build people up. This does not refer to flattery, insincere praise, or “buttering up” people. It means giving people the words they need to keep them on their feet, determined to keep marching on to victory.
Make it a practice to speak wholesome, edifying, upbuilding words to friends, relatives, co-workers, and fellow Christians. Your words will keep many people on their feet in times of difficulty and will come back to you loaded down with many blessings. Start today!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.