March 11, 2024

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Job 6

Angela Angerstig
Monday's Devo

March 11, 2024

Monday's Devo

March 11, 2024

Monday's Devo

March 11, 2024

Monday's Devo

March 11, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 6:30

Is there any injustice on my tongue? 
Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity?

Job 6

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

1 Then Job answered and said:

2  “Oh that my vexation were weighed,
    and all my calamity laid in the balances!
3  For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea;
    therefore my words have been rash.
4  For the arrows of the Almighty are in me;
    my spirit drinks their poison;
    the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5  Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass,
    or the ox low over his fodder?
6  Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt,
    or is there any taste in the juice of the mallow? 1 6:6 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
7  My appetite refuses to touch them;
    they are as food that is loathsome to me. 2 6:7 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain

8  Oh that I might have my request,
    and that God would fulfill my hope,
9  that it would please God to crush me,
    that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!
10  This would be my comfort;
    I would even exult 3 6:10 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain in pain unsparing,
    for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11  What is my strength, that I should wait?
    And what is my end, that I should be patient?
12  Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
13  Have I any help in me,
    when resource is driven from me?

14  He who withholds 4 6:14 Syriac, Vulgate (compare Targum); the meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain kindness from a friend
    forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15  My brothers are treacherous as a torrent-bed,
    as torrential streams that pass away,
16  which are dark with ice,
    and where the snow hides itself.
17  When they melt, they disappear;
    when it is hot, they vanish from their place.
18  The caravans turn aside from their course;
    they go up into the waste and perish.
19  The caravans of Tema look,
    the travelers of Sheba hope.
20  They are ashamed because they were confident;
    they come there and are disappointed.
21  For you have now become nothing;
    you see my calamity and are afraid.
22  Have I said, ‘Make me a gift’?
    Or, ‘From your wealth offer a bribe for me’?
23  Or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary's hand’?
    Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless’?

24  Teach me, and I will be silent;
    make me understand how I have gone astray.
25  How forceful are upright words!
    But what does reproof from you reprove?
26  Do you think that you can reprove words,
    when the speech of a despairing man is wind?
27  You would even cast lots over the fatherless,
    and bargain over your friend.

28  But now, be pleased to look at me,
    for I will not lie to your face.
29  Please turn; let no injustice be done.
    Turn now; my vindication is at stake.
30  Is there any injustice on my tongue?
    Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity?

Footnotes

[1] 6:6 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
[2] 6:7 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
[3] 6:10 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
[4] 6:14 Syriac, Vulgate (compare Targum); the meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar

After the Lord allowed Satan to afflict Job, three of his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to comfort him. However, all three wrongly assumed that Job’s suffering was the result of some hidden sin. Each man urged Job to repent so that God would have mercy on him. But Job insisted that he was innocent. Although it is true that some suffering is a result of sin, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar oversimplified this truth. They believed that all troubles are punishments for wrongdoing, which was not the case for Job. The wrong actions of Job’s three friends should remind believers today to be wise and sensitive when dealing with people in distress. The Lord rebuked Job’s three friends and instructed Job to pray for them. (Job 42:7–9)

Study Notes

Job 6:8–9 Job expresses a hope for death at God’s hand, to end his suffering.

Study Notes

Job 6:14 Eliphaz has suggested that Job’s suffering may mean that he has been a fool (see 5:3–7). Job argues that a person such as Eliphaz who withholds kindness from a friend is himself acting unwisely (forsakes the fear of the Almighty).

Study Notes

Job 6:15 Job’s friends are treacherous as a torrent-bed, which can suddenly appear, providing water to a thirsty traveler, but may then just as quickly dry up.

Study Notes

Job 6:25–26 If upright words are used properly, they can reprove a person and save him from foolishness. However, Job is a despairing man, pouring out his complaint before God. His friends are wrong to assume that he needs to be corrected.

Study Notes

Job 6:28–30 For the first time, Job declares that he is innocent and deserving of vindication.

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Dive Deeper | Job 6

After reading this chapter, you may be asking why bad things happen to good people. But what we might actually be asking is whether God is a God of justice. Does God rule the universe on the basis of justice?

Before we dive into these questions, let's break down the chapter. 

There are four main considerations: 

  • Job confirms his suffering 
  • Job wishes for death 
  • Job explains how unreliable his friends are with their false accusations 
  • Job wishes for his friend Eliphaz's sympathy 

Let's zoom in on the third point. Eliphaz believes that God rules the world according to justice, implying that Job's sin caused his circumstances. However, Job declares he is innocent. Job wrestles with God's character, not knowing if He is just or not. In your adversity, you may feel like God is distant, like God doesn't care, or like God is _____ [insert your feeling here]. All in all, pain and suffering may warp what we know about God's character. I encourage you to find purpose in every circumstance. Though we may feel despair, keep in mind the promises God has kept. Let us suffer well by leaning in on what God's purpose may be (Romans 8:28). Satan's purpose is to pull you away from God (John 10:10). God's purpose is to teach truths and mature your understanding of who He is. In all, He can use your suffering for His glory. 

Now let's focus on the fourth point. Job desires to have friends who rally beside him and encourage him. Although his friend Eliphaz means well and tells Job what he believes to be true, it isn't the truth. It's conventional wisdom. When you encounter someone at the bottom of the pit, sometimes the best way to encourage your brother or sister is with compassion and hope (2 Corinthians 1:4).

So, going back to the original question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Perhaps we should instead ask ourselves: What is our response to suffering?

This month's memory verse

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

– Romans 5:8

Discussion Questions

1. When experiencing suffering, does your view of God change? If so, does your relationship with God grow deeper, or does your perception of God become distorted?

2. What Scriptures do you cling to when experiencing suffering? What Scriptures remind you of God's character? 

3. How can you encourage your community, friends, and family when they are suffering? 

4. Do you believe God is just? Why or why not?

5. Have you recognized God's purpose for any of your past sufferings?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

GJ

greg jones

Great devotional. Loved this: “So, going back to the original question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Perhaps we should instead ask ourselves: What is our response to suffering?” Or what’s the purpose for worshipping God? To get over colds quicker? Get an inside track on all our desires? Suffering avoidance?
MS

Michael Scaman

You can almost hear a rap by the spoken word rapper Magnify His Name in the background ( I made him up but pretend there was such a person) Title Yahweh starts, Generic God in the middle, Yahweh ends as if by a spoken word rapper Magnify His Name Yo, let me break it down, word etymology in the lore, In Job's beginning Job 1 and 2, , "Yahweh" starts the score, Yahweh's presence, the tale begins to soar. The name will switch in the story core. Job will say Yahweh only one time in Job 12:9, "Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD *Yahweh) has done this, It's fine. Mostly the narrator. will use the covenant name Yahweh. Job's wifes advice was to "curse Elohim then die. Job and friends, with men in the middle's back n fort banter, use "Elohim," generic and wide, Adds to the mystery, where faith and reason collide, But the name is Yahweh, in the whirlwind, Job 38, where suffering questions and truth reside, Moses might've scribed the book of Job, Yahweh's name as his guide. Because straight from the whirwind and the burning bush, Yahweh is His covenant name No one bring up the following. No one asks. Title: The questions never asked and why do good things happen to bad people? as if by RC Sproul You don't find it here in Job 6 we can almost also hear another song. You can hear it too if you just ligon-ear! Why does rain fall on righteous and bad, In this world where justice seems to be had? God's ways are higher, His thoughts beyond ours, Yet we still question His sovereign powers. Why, oh why, does God's plan seem obscure? Why do good things happen to us, the impure? In this world it's not that it's irrational and feeks crazy it's that it's almost rational and fels hazy Evil is irrational in its sway, But God's wisdom guides us day by day. In His right ways, we may not always see, Yet in faith, we trust His sovereignty. Instead of asking the right questions, Job says what he knows about the pain of injustice he feels giving a long answer to bad unhelpful anti-empathetic sincere but wrongsly framed tough love Title: You aren't helping as if by Job In the depths of my despair, I call your name, Weight of sorrow, like an endless flame. Arrows of the Almighty, piercing deep, Their poison flowing, as I struggle to keep. Oh, crush me, LORD, in this heavy load I bear, Grant me solace, in the depths of despair. Like a torrent, my friends' faith fades away, Left alone in this desolate fray. Caravans lost, in the desert's cold embrace, Their hopes shattered, without a trace. In the icy darkness, they wander blind, Their confidence shattered, in the sands of time. Oh, crush me, LORD, in this heavy load I bear, Grant me solace, in the depths of despair. Like a torrent, my friends' faith fades away, Left alone in this desolate fray. Desperate words, like the wind they blow, My innocence lost, in the shadow's flow. No injustice on my tongue, I swear, Can't you see, Lord, the burden I bear? Oh, crush me, LORD, in this heavy load I bear, Grant me solace, in the depths of despair. Like a torrent, my friends' faith fades away, Left alone in this desolate fray. Look at me Even I can't taste my food any more I could still taste and smell any wrong I have done But I didn't
PG

Praveen Raj G

For the question. How can you encourage your community, friends, and family when they are suffering? I would say hope in the Lord, trust that one day he will deliver you out of your season of suffering. Is it easy for me to say? No, infact I'm in the middle of suffering for 4 months not knowing any direction I'm infact in hopeless situation. Yet, I force myself to trust God, literally forcing because the circumstances are not promising. Hope will carry us on, God is with us, at this moment I don't have anything but to trust His plan. This is what motivates us to move forward, motivates us to live. Faith - Love - Hope
MS

Michael Scaman

Job 36:15 He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. No, God is my “go to” when I suffer. And yes, my relationship with God gets stronger as I go to Him for help during suffering. 2. When I am suffering, Isaiah 41:10 goes through my mind, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” While I experience life in general, John 3:16 comes to mind and reminds me of God’s character, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”. 3. I can be encouraging to others to improve from suffering by asking them how they are doing, listening to what they say, and offering to help them as appropriate. 4. Yes, because God is consistent, supports everyone, and exists everywhere. 5. Yes, God helps me move forward from suffering in positive ways. God also helps me not to repeat suffering and to live a good life. Angela - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make an excellent point in saying, “When you encounter someone at the bottom of the pit, sometimes the best way to encourage your brother or sister is with compassion and hope (2 Corinthians 1:4)”. God is compassionate and hopeful and can be with us as we offer compassion and hope to others with strength and sincerity.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, Angela. When I read Job’s complaint in v. 4 that the arrows of God are in him, that sure sounds familiar. It’s so easy to blame God when bad things happen. I’m so thankful for the opening chapters of Job so we can know the actual reason for a LOT of our suffering!