“To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend.” Job 6:14. In the Bible we are told that during Job’s time of grieving, his three friends came to mourn with him and to comfort him.  For the first 7 days they sat and wept with him because he was in deep sorrow (Job 2:11-13). Their presence alone was a comfort to him. But then they began to lecture.  They told Job he must have sinned and that God was punishing him.  When job was finally able to respond, he told his friends what he needed from them.  He asked for a reason to continue hoping, for kindness, and for words that did not presume guilt.  Remembering the story of Job and his friends may help us when we don’t know what to say. When someone is grieving – listen, don’t lecture.