Noon in a dry wadi: a wide channel of white stones and cracked mud runs away between bare banks under a calm, pale, cloudless sky.

The Book of

Job 6

Job answers, in round one. Eliphaz has just told him God blesses the man He corrects. Job asked for kindness and was handed a rule.

30 verses≈ 3 min1 personBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Where we are

1–3The testBlameless, stripped of everything, and his cry
4–14Round oneThe friends speak; Job answersChapter 6
15–21Round twoMy Redeemer lives
22–31Round threeThen wisdom, and Job's last defense
32–37ElihuA younger voice
38–41The LORD speaksOut of the whirlwind
42The endJob prays and is restored

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

Job

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Job

no wonder my words have been rash

Job

the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me

Job

First gray light over a long ash mound: a very small figure wrapped in a dark cloak, seen from behind, upright among the ashes, one thin line of dawn on the horizon.

If only my request were granted

and God would fulfill my hope:

that God would be willing to crush me,

to unleash His hand and cut me off!

It still brings me comfort,

and joy through unrelenting pain,

that I have not denied

the words of the Holy One.

0:15

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Reflect

Not denied

With everything gone, Job still has one comfort: “that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.” What would you want to be able to say on your worst day? Write it down, and write it as a prayer.

Job

What strength do I have, that I should still hope?

What is my future, that I should be patient?

Is my strength like that of stone,

or my flesh made of bronze?

Is there any help within me

now that success is driven from me?

Job

Job

A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend,

even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

But my brothers are as faithless as wadis,

as seasonal streams that overflow,

darkened because of the ice

and the inflow of melting snow,

but ceasing in the dry season

and vanishing from their channels in the heat.

Job

A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend

Job 6:14

Question

Quick question

Job has a picture for his friends.

What does Job compare his friends to?

Job

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

Tema and Sheba

Caravans crossed Arabia from oasis to oasis. A dry stream on that road meant death. The Sabeans who raided Job (1:15) may have come by the same desert.

Job

Teach me, and I will be silent.

Help me understand how I have erred.

How painful are honest words!

But what does your argument prove?

Do you intend to correct my words,

and treat as wind my cry of despair?

You would even cast lots for an orphan

and barter away your friend.

Job

Job

But now, please look at me.

Would I lie to your face?

Reconsider; do not be unjust.

Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.

Is there iniquity on my tongue?

Can my mouth not discern malice?

Pray

Pray for a friend who is hurting, and ask how to be a friend to them. Ask forgiveness for comfort that ran dry when it was needed. Pray for those who are not being listened to. Thank God that He hears honest words.

You’ve experienced

Job 6

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A verse to carry with you

A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Job 6:14

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