Introduction
Job 36:5–26: The book of Job is the story of a good man who suffers total disaster—he loses his family and property and is afflicted with a repulsive disease. Because he has been an unusually good and righteous man, he cannot understand how God could let this happen to him. The introduction to the book (chapters 1–2) makes it clear that Job is not being punished by God for his sins. While he does not lose his faith, Job longs to be justified before God and to regain his reputation for honor. The readings for the next three days feature the words of Job’s younger friend, Elihu; and today’s reading is part of Elihu’s advice to Job on the subject of suffering.
Today’s Key Verse: Job 36:15 GNT
God teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes.
Read
5 How strong God is! He despises no one;
there is nothing he doesn’t understand.
6 He does not let sinners live on,
and he always treats the poor with justice.
7 He protects those who are righteous;
he allows them to rule like kings
and lets them be honored forever.
8 But if people are bound in chains,
suffering for what they have done,
9 God shows them their sins and their pride.
10 He makes them listen to his warning
to turn away from evil.
11 If they obey God and serve him,
they live out their lives in peace and prosperity.
12 But if not, they will die in ignorance
and cross the stream into the world of the dead.
13 Those who are godless keep on being angry,
and even when punished, they don’t pray for help.
14 They die while they are still young,
worn out by a life of disgrace.
15 But God teaches people through suffering
and uses distress to open their eyes.
16 God brought you out of trouble,
and let you enjoy security;
your table was piled high with food.
17 But now you are being punished as you deserve.
18 Be careful not to let bribes deceive you,
or riches lead you astray.
19 It will do you no good to cry out for help;
all your strength can’t help you now.
20 Don’t wish for night to come,
the time when nations will perish.
21 Be careful not to turn to evil;
your suffering was sent to keep you from it.
22 Remember how great is God’s power;
he is the greatest teacher of all.
23 No one can tell God what to do
or accuse him of doing evil.
24 He has always been praised for what he does;
you also must praise him.
25 Everyone has seen what he has done;
but we can only watch from a distance.[a]
26 We cannot fully know his greatness
or count the number of his years.
Reflect
Reread verses 8–12. What are your thoughts about what Elihu says about listening to, obeying, and serving God? What are your thoughts about what Elihu says in verse 15 that “God teaches people through suffering”? Have you ever learned from or about God during or after a period of suffering? If so, what was the circumstance and what did you learn? Is suffering needed at times to direct our attention to God? Explain.
Pray
Sovereign and righteous God, help me to listen to what you are teaching and what I need to learn this day. I seek to obey and serve you and give glory and honor to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Job 36:27—37:13: Elihu continues offering his advice to Job.
