Bible Study

Just for your thoughts.

The Book of Job –

Expository Commentary on the Book of Job.


Bible Study – 4

In the Holy Bible, Eve was the first person to disobey God's command. Deceived by Satan, she failed to submit to the Word of God. Later, Adam also violated God's command, and through their disobedience humanity fell into sin. The Bible teaches that sin entered the world through one man, Adam (Romans 5:12).

The husband is appointed as the head of the family. At the same time, the Bible also records instances where men received blessings by listening to the wise counsel of their wives. In certain situations, God Himself instructed husbands to listen to their wives.

Regarding Ishmael and Hagar, Abraham was initially displeased with Sarah's request. However, God said to Abraham, "Listen to whatever Sarah tells you" (Genesis 21:12). Likewise, when Manoah's wife demonstrated a clearer understanding of God's dealings, Manoah accepted her words (Judges 13:23). King Ahasuerus also listened to Esther's appeal and was spared from becoming permanently associated with the destruction that had been planned against the Jewish people.

On the other hand, Scripture also records examples of people who suffered loss because they followed ungodly counsel. Ananias and Sapphira joined together in lying against the Holy Spirit, and the consequences were severe.

In the Book of Job, after losing his children, wealth, and health, Job found himself in the midst of intense suffering. At that moment, his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!" (Job 2:9).

The Bible does not explicitly reveal all that was in her mind when she spoke those words. Perhaps she was overwhelmed by grief as she watched her husband's suffering and simply wanted his misery to end. Yet it is clear that, at that moment, she failed to understand God's purposes correctly.

Job, however, refused to accept her counsel. He replied, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10).

Job's understanding of God was different. Hefulness knew that circumstances may change, but God does not. Therefore, even in the midst of suffering, he preserved his faith and integrity before the Lord.

The loss of his possessions and children was already a tremendous trial. In addition to that, the counsel that came from the person closest to him—his wife—may have become another significant test. Yet Job did not make his decision based on emotions; he chose to stand upon his faith and understanding of God.

As a result, he endured the trial victoriously. In time, God restored and blessed him, granting him twice as much as he had before. Job resumed his family life, and children were born to him again.

This event may rightly be viewed as a major turning point in Job's spiritual journey. It teaches us that a proper understanding of God, steadfast faith, and spiritual courage are essential for making godly decisions in times of testing.

In family life, husbands and wives may seek counsel from one another, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, both should seek God's will and make decisions in the light of His Word. Particularly in spiritual matters, when husband and wife walk together in unity of faith and purpose, many spiritual dangers can be avoided.

The lesson from Job's life is clear: regardless of circumstances and regardless of human advice, the safest path is always to remain faithful to God's will and obedient to His Word.