Job's comforter: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Job's comforter” mean?

"Job's comforter" means someone who tries to comfort another person but ends up making them feel worse.

What context can I use the in?

Example

She thought she was being helpful, but she ended up being a Job's comforter.

Example

He always seems to be a Job's comforter whenever I'm feeling down.

Example

I didn't need a Job's comforter, I just needed someone to listen

Is “Job's comforter” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Job's comforter” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Job's comforter” effectively in context?

You can use "Job's comforter" to describe someone who tries to comfort another person but ends up making them feel worse. It emphasizes the unintentional negative impact of their words or actions. For example, if a friend is going through a tough time and someone keeps giving unsolicited advice that only adds to their distress, you might say, 'Don't be a "Job's comforter", just be there for them.'

• 1. Friendship

  She thought she was being helpful, but she ended up being a Job's comforter when she kept reminding her friend of all the things that could go wrong.

• 2. Support

  He always seems to be a Job's comforter whenever I'm feeling down. Instead of offering support, he points out all the reasons why I should feel worse.

• 3. Listening

  I didn't need a Job's comforter, I just needed someone to listen. They kept trying to find solutions to my problems instead of just being there for me.

Similar phrases to “Job's comforter”:

Rain on someone's parade

To spoil someone's enjoyment or excitement

Example

She always finds a way to rain on my parade with her negative comments.

Rub salt in the wound

To make someone's pain or disappointment even worse

Example

He didn't mean to rub salt in the wound, but his thoughtless comment made her feel even more hurt.

Add insult to injury

To make a bad situation even worse

Example

Losing her job was bad enough, but having her former boss criticize her work was adding insult to injury.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Job's comforter” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Job's comforter" comes from the biblical story of Job. In the story, Job's friends come to comfort him during his time of suffering, but their words end up making him feel worse instead of better.

Is “Job's comforter” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Job's comforter" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation. People may use it to describe situations where someone's attempt at comfort ends up causing more harm than good.

What tone does “Job's comforter” have?

"Job's comforter" conveys a tone of frustration or disappointment. It is often used to express annoyance towards someone who unintentionally makes a difficult situation worse.

Can “Job's comforter” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Job's comforter" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends or family members. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to describe someone's behavior or actions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She thought she was being helpful, but she ended up being a "Job's comforter".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be a "Job's comforter"!' to imply that someone should avoid making a situation worse.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• unhelpful comforter
• misguided comforter
• well-meaning but unhelpful person

Antonyms

• supportive friend
• comforting presence
• empathetic listener