Job, 4
16. There appeared an image before my eyes, someone whose face I did not recognize, and I heard a voice like a gentle breeze.
16. There appeared an image before my eyes, someone whose face I did not recognize, and I heard a voice like a gentle breeze.
Job's chapter 4 presents Elifaz's speech, one of Job's friends who tries to comfort him and convince him that his suffering is the result of his sins. Elifaz argues that God is righteous and that the righteous do not suffer, so Job must have done something wrong to deserve so much distress. Below are five verses from other Bible books that relate to the topics covered in Job 4:
Psalm 37:25: "I was young and now I am old, but I have never seen the righteous helplessness, nor his children begging bread." This verse contradicts Elifaz's statement that the righteous do not suffer, indicating that even the righteous may face difficulties and challenges.
Proverbs 3:11-12: "My Son, the Lord's correction, nor is it discouraged, not to be discouraged when, by him, he is rebuked. For the Lord rebukes whom he loves, as the Father, to the Son to whom he wants well." This verse talks about divine correction, which may include suffering and trials. This is relevant to Elifaz's perspective that Job must have done something wrong to deserve his suffering.
James 1:2-4: "My brothers, tend for all the joy of passing through various trials, knowing that the trial of your faith produces patience. And patience has your perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, without missing anything. " This verse talks about how trials can be an opportunity for growth and strengthening of faith. This is relevant to the situation of Job, which is being tested in his faithfulness to God.
Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways, my ways, says the Lord. For, just as heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways High than your ways and my thoughts, more than your thoughts. " This verse talks about how God's ways can be mysterious and unfathomable, which is relevant to the situation of Job, which is struggling to understand why he is suffering.
Romans 5:3-5: "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope. And hope does not bring confusion, because God's love is poured into our hearts for the Holy Spirit given to us. " This verse talks about how tribulations can lead to growth in faith and greater hope. This is relevant to Job's situation, which is struggling to maintain his faith and hope amid suffering.
“Não se desencoraje, pois, se na alma existe o contínuo esforço de melhorar, no final o Senhor a premia fazendo nela florir, de repente, todas as virtudes como num jardim florido.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
