Sunday, I was standing in the hospital chapel, reading the texts for the day. One, from Job 42, resonated oddly.

Between the words where Job says, “God, you are right. I don’t understand your ways,” and the words where Job has more kids and stuff, God talks to Job’s friends.

We read, in the formality of one translation, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is trustworthy, as My servant Job has.”

I think that this is an acceptable paraphrase:

“When you told Job what you thought I was doing, when you told Job what he needed to do to placate me, when you created this picture of who I am, you were wrong. You didn’t help him at all. And unless HE is willing to offer sacrifice for you, unless HE is willing to ask me to back off, I won’t.”

I read those words on Sunday and talked with a grieving woman on Monday. While in the hospital herself, she woke to the news of a family death. This, preceded by another death a couple weeks before, had her asking for a chaplain.

We talked. I said that people often said things not helpful.

“That’s for sure,” she said.

I thought about all the ways we may misrepresent God and God’s work and God’s intentions to sick and grieving people.

“God will heal you if you pray enough.”

“God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.”

“God must be trying to get my attention.”

“Don’t cry, they are in a better place.”

We, friends and pastors alike, can be like Job’s friends, not speaking of God what is trustworthy. We quote what we think we’ve heard rather than what we read God has said.

We may need to ask their forgiveness. And God’s.