A weakness in my own character is that I quickly judge situations before realizing what it is like to walk in someone else's shoes, and I think the same flawed character is present in Job's friends. It never ceases to amaze me at how strictly I can withhold grace from others when all the while I demand it for myself. I can't help but think that Job must have been extremely frustrated with his friends and their lack of understanding for his situation. If only they knew firsthand what he was going through, then they might show him a little more grace.
I am reminded of some advice my mom gave me in regards to criticism from other people: When someone else criticizes, we should seek to find whatever truth exists in the person's words and use that for personal growth. Whatever is not true we should try to forget. We don't know the intentions of Job's friends, but we do know that they were "miserable comforters" (16:2) and they merely served to criticize their friend who was hurting. Hopefully in times of crisis, we can be an encouragement to those who need comfort.
We always say ’round here, “Chew up the meat and spit out the bones.”