Sticks and stones may break my bones . . . and when the Almighty’s doing the name-calling, that’s gotta hurt too!

Not that God harmfully throws down insults from heaven. But the One who searches the soul and spirits of men will reveal the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12). Not to condemn, but as an invitation to repent.

So, when Job hears God call Him out, there’s only thing to do . . . hand on mouth.

And the LORD said to Job:
“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
       He who argues with God, let him answer it.”

Then Job answered the LORD and said:
“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer You?
       I lay my hand on my mouth.
I have spoken once, and I will not answer;
       twice, but I will proceed no further.”

(Job 40:1-5 ESV)

The Creator has been schooling Job on the inner workings of creation. Using the brush of what can be seen and known by men, God has been painting a picture of power and purpose that transcends their world of gravitational pull. And the Almighty pauses to allow Job a chance to chime in.

After all, Job’s been wanting a one-on-One with the Almighty, and now’s his chance to point out to Him a thing or two. But in turning the floor over to Job, God calls him out, “Speak up, faultfinder.”

Faultfinder. Ouch! Seems harsh. But what’s stated explicitly in the ESV is hinted at in the NIV and NKVJ: “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?” I guess if you’re ready to correct the Almighty, it’s because you’ve weighed God in the balances and found Him wanting. You’ve found fault with God. You’re a faultfinder.

There’s a line, it seems. A line between honestly asking questions and arrogantly demanding an audience. Between humbly confessing confusion and insolently calling out the Creator. Job crossed that line. And God loved Him too much to let him stay there. “What do you want to discuss now, faultfinder?”

And Job’s response is the right response. His answer, the only answer.

“I lay my hand over my mouth.”

Nothing to counter. Just contrition. No rebuttal. Only repentance. No argument. Just awe.

Job’s words have dried up. The lesson has been learned. God is God, and nothing less. Man is man, and nothing more.

Sometimes the right response is no response at all. There’s a point where God speaks and ours is simply to listen and acknowledge truth. To confess He is right and admit we have been in the wrong.

Not so God can prove Himself righteous–God has nothing to prove to anyone–but so that we might be restored to Him rightly.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

(James 4:10 ESV)

Hand on mouth. Sometimes, when you don’t know what to do, it’s the right thing to do. When there’s nothing left to say, it’s best to say nothing.

Be still, and know that I am God.

(Psalm 46:10 ESV)

It’s His kindness that leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

Such is His grace. To God be all the glory.