Verses 1-6
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Job responds to his friends' advice, pointing out that he already knows their perspective: suffering often comes to the wicked, and peace to the righteous. But Job’s experience contradicts this principle—he was “just and blameless,” yet he’s suffering (rather than being eased, his feet have slipped [verse 5]), while those who mock God are thriving. His friends are applying a general rule to Job’s unique situation, which doesn’t fit and only adds to his pain.
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The takeaway here is about the importance of applying wisdom with discernment. General truths are not one-size-fits-all.
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Avoid giving blanket advice or teaching that doesn’t take a person’s unique situation into account. Wisdom involves listening and understanding before we speak. It’s crucial not to push our perspectives when they may not apply to someone else's experience. Instead, approach each person with empathy, listening to their circumstances and responding biblically and thoughtfully.
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Verse 6. As a side note remember that even those who prosper in their sin do so with what God has given them. When you are in sin, remember that you are misusing gifts of God; let this thought convict you, and repent!
Verses 7-25
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Job then shows us that good and bad events are all in God's control, and that all creation (including every animal) knows this to be true. As aged and wise men (verse 12), they ought to know this! Nature testifies (verses 7-10) of God's sovereignty over people (verses 13-21) and nations (verses 22-25).
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Even the deceived and the deceiver belong to God and are used according to His purposes (verse 16) (see Proverbs 16:4). This means that even the devil has a place in God's plan. God's works are all just, but they are often hard to understand.
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By emphasizing God’s wisdom and control over all things—human and otherwise—Job suggests that God’s ways are too vast and intricate for humans to fully comprehend. Only God fully understands the “why” behind each person’s situation.
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Don't be hasty to say that God only works one way or the other. Be quiet if you intend to speak on something you know you do not fully understand.
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Verse 12. As a side note, remember that there is a form of wisdom and understand that comes with years. Be patient in the years of your life, and know that some growth will only come with time.