Assumption is defined as the
acceptance that something is true, or is certain to happen, without proof.
Needless to say, it’s risky when we assume and present false information as
truth, based on what we think or feel. We need to be certain about information
we choose to believe and share, by first verifying our facts, and then being
patient--not rushing to accuse, judge, or condemn people.
What is at risk if our assumptions
turn out to be wrong? When we make assumptions, we falsely accuse others, which
can destroy their reputations, even if only temporarily, jeopardizing our own
in the process. In fact, if what we say turns out to be false, whatever we say
in the future could be taken with a grain of salt. So, before we jump to
conclusions and accuse others, let’s research our facts and have proof, and
even then be very unhurried to speak.
The Bible teaches this lesson in the
story of Job, who was described this way: “blameless,--a man of complete
integrity, feared God, and stayed away from evil” (see Job 1:1). If you are
familiar with this story, you’ll remember that the devil was permitted to bring
misfortune into Job’s life, to prove Job’s loyalty to God. He lost his ten
children, property, and health, and, needless to say, he was heart-broken and
in anguish. He tried to figure out why God would cause him such distress. As
far as he knew, he had done nothing wrong to warrant that kind of punishment.
Even his wife did not console him, she said to him: Are you still trying to
maintain your integrity? Curse God and die” (Job 2:9 NLT). Wow!
Job’s three friends, who knew
nothing about the conversation that took place between God and the devil prior
to Job’s troubles, chided him (see Job 4:3-6), and then jumped to conclude that
Job’s suffering was the result of sin in his life. “Stop and think!” Eliphaz,
the first friend, said, “Do the innocent die? When have the upright been destroyed?
My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will
harvest the same. A breath of God destroys them” (Job 4:7-9 NLT). Sadly, his
conclusion was partially based on his personal experience. If we are honest,
we’ll admit that we all do occasionally jump to conclusions about issues we
know nothing, or very little, about. God help us!
Job’s second friend Bildad’s
assessment of the situation was this, “Your children must have sinned against
him, so their punishment was well deserved. But if you pray to God and seek the
favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will
surely rise up and restore your happy home” (Job 8:4-6 NLT). “WELL DESERVED.”
Really? Talk about jumping to conclusions! As Bildad continued to ramble on, he
said, “The hopes of the godless evaporate. Their confidence hangs by a thread.
… The godless seem like a lush plant growing in the sunshine, its branches
spreading across the garden… But look, God will not reject a person of
integrity, nor will he lend a hand to the wicked” (Job 8:13-20 NLT).
Unbelievable! This was like adding insult to injury!
Zophar, friend number three,
finally chimed in. “Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you
deserve!” then he adds, “Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind
you. Then your face will brighten with innocence” (Job 11:6 and 14 NLT). Such
boldness!
Elihu, another character, younger
than Job and his three friends, finally responded. He rebuked all four men. He
was angry with Job for insisting he was innocent, instead of admitting
wrongdoing, and admitting God was just in punishing him. He was angry with the
three friends for making God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer
Job’s arguments. Elihu’s assessment of the situation, however, was just as bad.
One of his many accusations was: “Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God
sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil” (36:21).
When Job tried to defend himself,
these friends would have none of it; they were 100% sure Job’s troubles were
the result of his sin. These were friends who had come to comfort one of their
own. No wonder Job referred to them as “miserable comforters” (see Job 16:2).
He told them, “If it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away
your grief” (Job 16:5 NLT); “Have mercy on me, my friends, have mercy on me”
(19:21 NLT).
God finally entered the
conversation, and challenged Job: “Brace yourself like a man, because I have
some questions for you, and you must answer me” (38:3). Then He rebuked
Eliphaz: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken
accurately about me as my servant Job has … My servant Job will pray for you,
and I will accept his prayer on your behalf. I will not treat you as you
deserve” (42:7-8 NLT).
Let’s
not jump to conclusions! If we choose to offer our opinion, it should be clear
to our listeners that it’s strictly an opinion, and not necessarily facts.
These four men really hurt Job with their ignorant statements, and by so doing
displeased God. Let’s be careful, quick to hear, but slow to speak!
