"I also could speak like you, if you were in my place . . ." (Job 16:4).

This is how Job defends himself against the judgments and arguments of his friends. They think his misfortune proves he is a bad person, and they say so. Only Job feels the unfairness of their explanation. He is in pain; they are not. There is no better teacher, and no more powerful begetter of compassion, than having to walk for a while in another person's shoes.