Job Chapter 2: Verses 9-10 (NIV-UK)
His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!’
He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
We sometimes forget when reading the story of Job that his wife was suffering too. After all, she had lost her children, and she had to watch her husband in great anguish and physical pain. But it seems that she didn’t have the same faith as Job. She couldn’t see the point of going on anymore, and told Job so. Yet Job continued to trust God, even in the most awful circumstances. But in continuing to do so, and in the end being vindicated and restored, what a testimony that must have been to his wife. I wonder what she thought then?
Our family and friends may not share our faith. When we face hardships and trials, they too may be tempted to say, “where is God now?” But the lesson from Job should be that we need to be like him and maintain our integrity. How we deal with our circumstances, hopefully in a way that will glorify God, may speak to people more than we realise. And we must remember to treat those in the same position as Job’s wife with compassion and grace.
Dear Lord,
Help me to maintain my integrity no matter what. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.