Wisdom Literature Part 02
Does individual righteousness imply that one should not suffer loss of wealth or health? Are physical and spiritual challenges reserved for those who disobey and need to be punished? Is there value in suffering for the righteous?
Job was a righteous man. He did everything right. He was blessed with wealth and with a large family, herds, houses and wealth.
“Job . . . was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East” (Job 1:1-3).
Job was also a good father. He would pray and make sacrifices for his kids so that they would be blessed as well. Job tried to do everything right. He walked in the way of wisdom. His outstanding character was well known throughout the region.
A fascinating conversation occurs in Job 1:6 where God asks Satan if he knows Job, and God describes Job as a “blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil.” It is interesting to know that Satan knew all about Job and the details of his life and circumstances, including God’s protection. It is chilling to think that he likely knows each of us in the same way.
God decides to roll back some of the protection He had previously afforded Job, and allows Satan to attack his family and wealth. In one day, Satan responded by taking away all that Job had, including his children. Amazingly, Job did not sin or charge God for the wrong (1:22).
Satan is given the ability to touch Job personally after his assertion that physical suffering will cause Job to curse God (1:5). Job continued a faithful attitude and acceptance of his circumstances as he said to his wife, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all his physical suffering, Job still did not sin. He did not say anything he would regret or be dishonorable to God, despite the loss he had experienced and his physical suffering. What an example of self-control and wisdom!
In our next lesson regarding Job, we will consider Job’s friends and advisors.
© Randy Urwiller, 2025. All rights reserved.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
