April 29, 2024

Why was Elihu's counsel to Job better than that of the others?

Job 36

Jenny Wilkins
Monday's Devo

April 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

April 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

April 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

April 29, 2024

Big Book Idea

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

Key Verse | Job 36:5, 23

"Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any;
he is mighty in strength of understanding.
 . . .

"Who has prescribed for him his way,
or who can say, 'You have done wrong?'"

Job 36

Elihu Extols God's Greatness

1 And Elihu continued, and said:

2  “Bear with me a little, and I will show you,
    for I have yet something to say on God's behalf.
3  I will get my knowledge from afar
    and ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4  For truly my words are not false;
    one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

5  Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any;
    he is mighty in strength of understanding.
6  He does not keep the wicked alive,
    but gives the afflicted their right.
7  He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous,
    but with kings on the throne
    he sets them forever, and they are exalted.
8  And if they are bound in chains
    and caught in the cords of affliction,
9  then he declares to them their work
    and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly.
10  He opens their ears to instruction
    and commands that they return from iniquity.
11  If they listen and serve him,
    they complete their days in prosperity,
    and their years in pleasantness.
12  But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword
    and die without knowledge.

13  The godless in heart cherish anger;
    they do not cry for help when he binds them.
14  They die in youth,
    and their life ends among the cult prostitutes.
15  He delivers the afflicted by their affliction
    and opens their ear by adversity.
16  He also allured you out of distress
    into a broad place where there was no cramping,
    and what was set on your table was full of fatness.

17  But you are full of the judgment on the wicked;
    judgment and justice seize you.
18  Beware lest wrath entice you into scoffing,
    and let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.
19  Will your cry for help avail to keep you from distress,
    or all the force of your strength?
20  Do not long for the night,
    when peoples vanish in their place.
21  Take care; do not turn to iniquity,
    for this you have chosen rather than affliction.
22  Behold, God is exalted in his power;
    who is a teacher like him?
23  Who has prescribed for him his way,
    or who can say, ‘You have done wrong’?

24  Remember to extol his work,
    of which men have sung.
25  All mankind has looked on it;
    man beholds it from afar.
26  Behold, God is great, and we know him not;
    the number of his years is unsearchable.
27  For he draws up the drops of water;
    they distill his mist in rain,
28  which the skies pour down
    and drop on mankind abundantly.
29  Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds,
    the thunderings of his pavilion?
30  Behold, he scatters his lightning about him
    and covers the roots of the sea.
31  For by these he judges peoples;
    he gives food in abundance.
32  He covers his hands with the lightning
    and commands it to strike the mark.
33  Its crashing declares his presence; 1 36:33 Hebrew declares concerning him
    the cattle also declare that he rises.

Footnotes

[1] 36:33 Hebrew declares concerning him
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.

Elihu

Elihu

Elihu rebuked both Job and his three friends. He was angry at Job for defending himself rather than God, and he was angry at Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar for failing to provide an answer for Job. During his lengthy speech, Elihu shifted the focus away from Job to God as the only source of certainty and hope. At the same time, he seemed to overestimate his own understanding, even claiming to speak “on God’s behalf” (36:2). Actually, Elihu didn’t understand the reasons for Job’s suffering any more than the three friends did, and his statements were often similar to theirs. Although there was some truth in Elihu’s argument, his application of those truths and the conclusions he drew about Job were often incorrect. (Job 32:1–5)

Study Notes

Job 36:2–4 Elihu presents his final speech as something offered on God’s behalf. He emphasizes that, unlike Job (see 34:35), he has understanding that comes from outside himself (36:3), and that he is perfect in knowledge, something he will later ascribe also to God (see 37:16). Elihu is more arrogant than he realizes.

Study Notes

Job 36:6–7 The heart of Elihu’s argument is that the afflicted are treated justly by God; they reveal the state of their heart by how they respond to affliction.

Study Notes

Job 36:10 When Elihu says that God opens the ears (also v. 15), he is continuing his point from an earlier speech (see 33:14, 16). He suggests ways in which God has been speaking and Job may be failing to listen.

Study Notes

Job 36:13–14 Elihu describes those who hold onto their anger rather than crying out when God binds them through affliction (see v. 8). He warns that Job’s continued complaining could result in his being like the godless in heart.

Study Notes

Job 36:8–15 Elihu describes affliction as a kind of captivity. He argues that God uses affliction to speak to people about their sin (v. 9).

Study Notes

Job 36:16–17 Elihu suggests that Job should see his own suffering as God seizing him in judgment and justice.

Study Notes

Job 36:18 Elihu suggests that Job should consider the loss of his family, his reputation, and all his household as the ransom (compare 33:24) by which the Lord is trying to turn him from sin. He should not let the awful greatness of the ransom turn him aside from the path of repentance and restoration.

Study Notes

Job 36:5–21 Elihu implies that Job’s situation is an example of God using affliction to deliver the righteous from their sin—if they are willing to accept his correction.

Study Notes

Job 36:30 Lightning represents God’s glory (compare Ps. 104:2–3). His glory covers (lights up) even the depths of the sea.

Study Notes

Job 36:31 he judges peoples. Judging and nourishing are often parallel aspects of God’s provision. The clouds bear God’s throne, from which he governs and feeds his people.

Study Notes

Job 36:32 Hands may be a way of describing the great arches of heaven, filled with God’s light.

Study Notes
Elihu

Elihu

Elihu rebuked both Job and his three friends. He was angry at Job for defending himself rather than God, and he was angry at Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar for failing to provide an answer for Job. During his lengthy speech, Elihu shifted the focus away from Job to God as the only source of certainty and hope. At the same time, he seemed to overestimate his own understanding, even claiming to speak “on God’s behalf” (36:2). Actually, Elihu didn’t understand the reasons for Job’s suffering any more than the three friends did, and his statements were often similar to theirs. Although there was some truth in Elihu’s argument, his application of those truths and the conclusions he drew about Job were often incorrect. (Job 32:1–5)

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Dive Deeper | Job 36

After the three friends give their take on why Job is suffering, in comes another friend: Elihu. Although Elihu is trying to defend God's intentions, let's be careful not to assume we know why God does what He does. 

"Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding. . . . Who has prescribed for him his way, or who can say, 'You have done wrong'?" (Job 36:5, 23)

So why was Elihu's counsel to Job better than that of the others? Well, Elihu never boldly claims to know why Job is suffering, but he does believe Job is wrong to accuse God of being unjust. Elihu argues that God is just, and God always operates the universe according to His justice, even in ways we cannot comprehend or see. God is omniscient (knows everything, 1 John 3:20) and omnipresent (can't flee from His presence, Psalm 139:7-10), so His "reasoning" for justice will greatly differ from our own limited human conclusions. 

"But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory" (Romans 9:20-23). 

Despite Elihu reprimanding Job for questioning God, we also know (spoiler alert) God welcomes wrestling because He cares for us. We can rest in these truths:

  1. God's character never changes, even when our circumstances do (Hebrews 13:8).
  2. "It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:8) 
  3. "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; [Jesus has] overcome the world." (John 16:33b)

Now, those are some things to be joyful about today!

This month's memory verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. When have you also believed that something bad happened because God is trying to punish you for a past or current sin, whether that is within your own life or the life of others? Be honest. Then, reflect on John 9:1-3.

2. Job was faultless according to God, but do you believe he was displaying spiritual pride? How can we be confident in the Lord, yet humble in our need for Him? Luke 18:10-14 may help.

3. How do you see justice? Describe your ideals of how justice should work in our world. What does God's Word say about how He will fulfill justice? Look at Romans 12:19.

4. What can you learn about how you should counsel those within your own community from how Job's friends counseled him? See 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

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!

MS

Michael Scaman

Bad motives should not be ascribed to God Job 36: "...God is mighty and does not despise any... Job 35:5 Elihu will give some reasons why the righteous may suffer Job 36:15 He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity. Job 35 "... let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside..." Could it be this means the afflictions experiences are like a ransom of restraint for Job and not the work of an enemy? Title:: The Epic Ballad of Elihu as if by Bob Dylan (Verse 1) In the stillness of the night, Elihu speaks his mind, On behalf of the Almighty, wisdom he hopes to find. He claims his knowledge comes from a distant shore, And righteousness he ascribes to the One we adore. (Chorus) Oh, the greatness of the ransom, don't let it lead you astray, In the face of affliction, let not your faith sway. For God's justice reigns, in every trial and test, Hold on to His guidance, and you'll find rest. (Verse 2) God's power and might, Elihu does extol, In the midst of darkness, He shines through the soul. Through chains of affliction, He reveals our wrongs, But offers instruction, to where our hearts belong. (Chorus) Oh, the greatness of the ransom, don't let it lead you astray, In the face of affliction, let not your faith sway. For God's justice reigns, in every trial and test, Hold on to His guidance, and you'll find rest. (Bridge) In nature's grandeur, God's glory does unfold, From clouds to lightning, His wonders are told. Though His ways are mysterious, His love remains true, In every storm and tempest, He sees us through. (Verse 3) As he speaks, a whirlwind forms, God's presence felt in the raging storms. Not El, Elohim, or Eloah, But Yahweh, the name that silences awe. (Outro) God will continue with the mysteries of creation, Asking, "Were you there?" provoking humble contemplation. And so continues the very long Ballad of Elihu.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Jenny. “Despite Elihu reprimanding Job for questioning God, we also know (spoiler alert) God welcomes wrestling because He cares for us.” I love that. Elihu doesn’t seem to be wrestling with God. And maybe that’s the real problem that needs to be solved here. But Job certainly is. I really like how chapter 12 interplays with this chapter. Job isn’t going to answer Elihu but in a way he already has. The interplay “Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on God's behalf. I will get my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words are not false; (my personal favorite Elihu line) one who is perfect in knowledge is with you. If Job was to reply to Elihu…here’s what he said earlier. I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these? Job 12:3 “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” Job 12:7-9 Job is wrestling with God but that’s not all he seems to be wrestling with. I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called to God and he answered me, a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock. Job12:4 That’s hard. In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; it is ready for those whose feet slip. Job 12:5 Elihu-He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous. Job 36;7a As Job is held in contempt for his misfortune…or a dynamic that can be alluded to. The tents of robbers are at peace, and those who provoke God are secure, who bring their god in their hand Job 12:6 If prosperity is the only thing seen as a just God’s favor then how sideways can what Elihu says next (36:7b) go? but with kings on the throne he sets them forever, and they are exalted. Job 36:7b In Elihu’s mind there is only one reason God prospers and only one reason God denies prosperity. There’s no room with Elihu’s view of God for Job to experience what he is experiencing. Elihu speaking: And if they are bound in chains and caught in the cords of affliction, then he declares to them their work and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly. Job 36:8-9 Highlighting the interplay between the chapters. Elihu speaking this thought can’t you see this is the only way God works:“He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from iniquity.” Job 36:10 Elihu’s view. Prosperity balances the scale of justice and God speaks through justice. Job speaking “In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food?” Job’s view. God speaks through justice…and injustice. My view considering my view of the views of Job and Elihu. What has happened to Job isn’t God’s justice being played out. It isn’t a sign of his disapproval as Elihu is more strongly suggesting than Job’s friends have. It is God challenging a view of prosperity being the sign of a righteous life, and prosperity removed, being a sign of injustice. More complexly than the simplicity of that statement concerning prosperity and justice it is God wrestling with Elihu. Elihu isn’t mentioned again after this. We know how things will turn out for Job and his friends (Job 42:7-17). As for Elihu we know his words. Prophetic maybe? He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous. Job 36.7a He opens their ears to instruction. Job 36:10a If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness. Job 36:11 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger. Job 32:2-5 (I notice Elihu didn’t wait to speak because he was listening.) If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness. But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword and die without knowledge. The godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when he binds them. They die in youth, and their life ends among the cult prostitutes. Job 36:11-14 I think about the following verse differently than I did the first time I read it not knowing for sure now what happens to young Elihu. Wisdom is with the aged,     and understanding in length of days. Job 12:12
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Jenny. I was intrigued to read this in Dr. Constable's commentary: "Job 36:1-21 is a more mature and engaging statement of orthodox theology than anything found elsewhere in the book.” Then I had to remember that many Bible scholars believe that the book of Job is one of the earliest books of the Old Testament. Job and his friends didn't have the scriptures to read; they only had the oral traditions of people passing on to each other the little they knew (or thought they knew) about God. That would be what Adam and Eve passed on to their children, then what came through the bottleneck of Noah and his sons, to whenever Job lived. It would be a long time before Moses would write the first few chapters of the Bible to teach the newly-freed former slaves about Yahweh. So what Elihu has to say about God is pretty amazing given their early place in human history. But the truth of Romans 1, that God reveals Himself to all people so that we are without excuse, was just as true back then as it is today. Elihu made observations about God because He has ALWAYS been revealing Himself to His beloved image-bearers. He *wants* to be known. And loved.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. As a child, I felt my parents weren’t telling me everything I needed to know as a child. They didn’t. They weren’t my birth parents (as I later discovered). I thought God was punishing me in the incomplete parent/child discussions. 2. Job did not hold back in expressing his ideas. Sometimes this might happen to reassure ourselves of what we know about God. This can be prevented if we study the Bible a little everyday and apply what we learn from God in daily life so we know things versus running around searching for them. 3. Justice is important and should always be clear, lawful, and correctly justified. God’s Word helps in approaching justice and in receiving justice. 4. It is important to be equipped with God’s Word. Jenny - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for your advice that, “We can rest in these truths: God's character never changes, even when our circumstances do (Hebrews 13:8). It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:8). In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; [Jesus has] overcome the world." (John 16:33b)”. Amen.