“For God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense” (v. 17)

Often our interpretation of a bible passage depends on the ‘tone of voice’ we read into it. If we imagine God asked His questions in a harsh tone of voice, we assume He intended to humiliate Job. But if we imagine God asked the same questions in a warm, loving tone of voice, we realize that the Lord intended to instruct and encourage His servant.

As we continue from chapter 38 and read God’s words to Job, we recognize the irony of His questions, but must also sense the gentleness in the Lord’s voice. God does not explain why Job is suffering. After all, it’s really not Job’s place to demand that God report to him! Yet the Lord never charges Job with sin. He does not even, as Elihu did, rebuke Job for going too far in questioning the divine justice. The entire monologue by God has only one purpose. The Lord informs Job that He really does know what He is doing, even though Job may not. This, after all, is the essence of relationship with God.

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Questions:

Where do you get the strength to face difficult times? Where does your confidence in God come from? Do you ever feel that God is not in charge?

Prayer:

As a type of prayer, try reading this chapter aloud, speak gently as if you would to your own child who’s been sobbing after injury. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to begin to understand that God’s questions were intended to comfort Job, by reminding him (and you), “I’m here. It’s all right. I’m still here.” Amen.