Mourn With Them That Mourn

"So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great." (Job 2:13).

"Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest? I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul’s stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief. " (Job 16:1-5).

Good day ladies.

We’ve heard so much about how Job’s friends were miserable comforters etc. We’ve heard people talk about how the comfort provided by those that tried to comfort them when they were dealing with tragic events – the loss of a loved one, a failed marriage, the loss of a job etc- made things worse. Yet, we are enjoined as believers to “mourn with those that mourn”.

So, what is the proper way to mourn with and comfort someone that is grieving? Is silence a good way to mourn with them? What are the things we should try to avoid saying when mourning with/comforting those that mourn?

Please share your views and experiences. Scriptural references are also welcome.