Job's Precious Smile (TT)

 There's a bit of a joke about the longest word in the English language.  Do you know it?  It's 'smiles' because there's a mile between the two 's's'.

Funny, right?

Another expression is when a person grins 'from ear to ear'.  That would be a pretty big smile.

But smiles, generally thought of as positive, do have the power to discourage as well as encourage.  I therefore like Job's smile.  Deborah Smith Pegues brings our attention to the NLT version of Job 29:24 in her book 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue.  It reads,

"When they were discouraged, I smiled at them.  My look of approval was precious to them."

How do you like that!  Job's smile was precious to the people of his acquaintance.  If they could get his smile, they felt his approval of them.  The discouarged would feel encouraged.

Do you see discouraged people around you?  Why not give them a soothing smile.  A smile that encourages, and gives hope that maybe things will get better; or their ideas and thoughts are legitimate and/or have potential.

When we see a brother or sister cast down with a heavy burden, let's try a little kindness, as an old song suggests.  Your smile could be that 'golden buzzer' that tips a person towards enheartening life rather than deathly discouragement.

As followers of Jesus Christ, let's examine ourselves to see our own personal tendency.  Is it to give smiles and looks of well-placed approval or do we tend to put a damper on others' endeavors and feelings?  Remedy accordingly.

Give a precious 'Job's smile' today!

Lord Jesus, I look up to You for Your smile of approval, for Your "well done".  As I live according to Your word with Your Holy Spirit's help, may I please You and then be able to show another brother or sister a little kindness by my words but also by the smile I can pass on.  May those folks who feel cast down be uplifted by the fragrance of Christ in me, embodied even in a precious smile of encouragement.  I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, amen.

                                                   ~  ERC  July 2025 ~

Based on Job 29:24 NLT.  Also, 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 26 - The Discouraging Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, Try a Little Kindness, along with Glenn Campbell.