Job 16

Written on 11/05/2024

Verses 1-6

  • Job tells his friends here that they are miserable comforters because rather than strengthening him, they condemned him. 

    • When you are able to speak to someone who is hurting, use words that you know will strengthen their mind, not words that will increase their grief. Avoid words that condemn.

 

Verses 7-14

  • Here Job speaks of how he feels that God is against him—attacking him. God was indeed responsible for Job's suffering because He allowed the enemy to attack him; but God was for Job's faith. 

  • When God works against our comfort, it is ultimately for the good of our faith. 

    • Notice that Job says, “I was at ease, but He has shattered me” (verse 12). When we are at ease, being shattered is good for us in the end. 

    • Understand that there are times when God will work against your ease and comfort, but He is always working for your faith and salvation.

 

Verses 15-21

  • In his suffering, Job was scorned by his friends and contended even by his own wife (Job 2:9). His only strength was his prayer to God and his confidence that his heart was pure. 

    • Remember that when all is against you, you will only be able to survive if you keep your integrity, as Job did. Walking uprightly and shunning sin will keep you close to God and able to stand strong when all other forces are against you! A life without repentance is the weakest, but the life of a continually repentant person will endure any trial.

    • The enemy wanted Job to curse God and abandon his integrity (Job 1:11). Because he would not, he was strong! Ultimately, the enemy tests us because he wants us to doubt God and sin. In the hardest of times, so long as you do not give in to sin, you will be resisting the enemy, and he will flee (James 4:7).