Scripture Reading (KJV)

<blockquote> Job 4:1-5:27 (KJV)

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, 2 If one assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking? 3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. 4 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. 5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. 6 Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways? 7 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? 8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. 9 By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed. 10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. 11 The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad. 12 Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof. 13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, 14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. 15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up: 16 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, 17 Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? 18 Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: 19 How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth? 20 They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding it. 21 Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom. 22 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. 23 Doth thou know the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? 24 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? 25 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? 26 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? 27 And he said unto man, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

1 Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to the saints, if there be any that will turn thee to righteousness. 2 For the wrath of the Almighty is not a staff for thee; neither canst thou put binding upon the spirit of the Almighty. 3 For thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. 4 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. 5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. 6 Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways? 7 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? 8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. 9 By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed. 10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. 11 The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad. 12 Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof. 13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, 14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. 15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up: 16 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, 17 Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? 18 Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: 19 How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth? 20 They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding it. 21 Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom. 22 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. 23 Doth thou know the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? 24 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? 25 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? 26 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? 27 And he said unto man, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. </blockquote>

### Study Summary

The Bible study focused on Job 4 and 5, where Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, responds to Job's suffering. Eliphaz's premise is that all suffering is caused by sin, leading him to conclude that Job must have sinned. This misunderstanding highlights the friends' lack of theological understanding and their tendency to tear Job down instead of strengthening him. The study emphasized the importance of skilled pastors and counselors who can handle such situations without making presumptuous pronouncements.

Eliphaz's argument is based on a partial truth: that sin can lead to suffering. However, this partial truth can become an untruth when applied incorrectly. The study pointed out that suffering can have various causes, including someone else's sin or general sin in the world. This was illustrated by the example from John 9 about the man at the pool of Bethesda, emphasizing that suffering can have multiple causes.

The discussion also included personal reflections, with Kevin sharing his gratitude for God's mercies and grace on his birthday. Roger reflected on his preaching and playing the viola with the congregation, emphasizing the importance of handling theology with care and not using it as a weapon against the wounded.

The study concluded with a reminder of the importance of understanding the full context of suffering and not making presumptuous conclusions. It highlighted the need for skilled and competent counselors and pastors who can handle such situations with care and wisdom, ensuring that they do not add to the pain of those who are already suffering. ==========