It’s a Task Interpreting Job

Quasiblogo said:

I get it that Chapters 38-42 show how God straightens out Job and his three friends. However, is it correct to conclude that the errant statements of Job & friends are intertwined with truths that can be extracted and taught for the purposes of building up the flock?

I ask this because, as an example, if I had never read Chapters 38-42 before, there are some real gems to teach from, for the good of others—despite the many rashly spoken statements that surround. But in suddenly factoring in the final five chapters, I’m left to wonder if it would be imprudent to approach teaching this way. In other words, would I be cherry-picking in a way that is not valid?

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Clare73 said:

Job may be food for the mature.

I see Job's theme to be about "fairness" in the sovereignty of God, a major question for man, which at some point should be addressed.

To man's view of "unfairness" in Job, I see God's response to be:
Your ways are not my ways,
My ways are higher (better) than your ways (Isa 55:8-9, 29:16).
I do no wrong (Dt 32:4),
All my ways are just (Da 4:37, 9:14, Ps 145:17),
and what I do is right (Da 4:37, see v.35)

Paul reflects the same kind of response, regarding God's sovereign choice not to grant faith to Israel, his covenant people (Ro 11:7-8),
but to cut them off (Ro 11:17, 29-20, 22) and instead, grant faith to the Gentiles who were foreigners to the covenant (Eph 2:11-12), in
Ro 11:33-36:
"How unsearchable are his judgments,
and his ways beyond finding out!
Who is wise enough that he should instruct God? (Isa 40:13)
And who has given to God that God should owe (repay) him?" (Job 4:11).

Job 38-42 is the counterpoint for the above.

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Rose_bud said:

The chapters between Job and his friends is their response and understanding to his predicament and God's "hand in it". The dialogues are based on their worldview and understanding of God. Which as stated, according to the end chapters are not necessarily an accurate reflection of God. Job 42:7-8.

To preach the dialogues from Job as nuggets of truth, without the context would be eating the cherries off the cake.

There are universal nuggets, that should be applied correctly. But should not be used to justify wrong conclusions. Wisdom literature should be applied wisely.


Like Job 5:17, blessed is the one the Lord disciplines... A nugget according to Proverbs 3:11-12.

Paul finds the right application for it in Hebrews 12:5-6. One that aligns with the situation and Gods character.

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