I just started reading through the book of Job and am just so incredibly thankful for his example of faithfulness and praise while enduring the most excruciating, unimaginable sorrow. The book of Job teaches us that the way to live through suffering is not just to display fortitude in the face of adversity, but to bow reverently before God and trust his sovereign goodness. In the day of suffering, people properly responded to God by worshiping him and blessing him for the wisdom and justice of his ways, regardless of how deep the pain or dark the confusion. God’s holy purposes for human suffering are sometimes unclear. Yet in the end, Job draws closer to God through his suffering: “I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes” (Job 42:5). What a testimony of how we should live our lives. Oh the things we take for granted, oh how quick we are to complain, to get angry, to be impatient. What an example Job has set. I know it’s not easy, but may we keep our eyes on the One who heals, restores, and gives ultimate peace. Love you guys! -ash
“The book of Proverbs teaches that many counselors are good because they provide safety and improve our odds of success.
“So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.” Prov. 24:6
The book of Job shows that counselors can also mislead, even when their theology is orthodox.
Job’s comforters repeatedly elaborated on the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, which was deeply embedded in the covenant. We can’t simply reject their words because much of what they said is correct teaching about God’s nature and his ways of working with human beings. However, Job’s friends misapplied this principle. They didn’t look at Job’s life, point out where he had sown evil, and then threaten divine judgment. Instead, they ignored Job’s faithful pattern of life, focused on his torment, and concluded that he was reaping the effects of sin. God eventually called these counselors liars, reminding us that even the most orthodox theology must be rightly applied in order to please God and build up others.
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Prov. 15:2-4
While it is good to weigh advice from various sources, we must compare the counsel of others with what we believe to be right before God. God might use human counselors to help us define his will, but God himself guides us. Jesus Christ is our “Wonderful Counselor,” who embodies “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). We must be led by God’s Spirit.”
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” Romans 8:14
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Study taken from “Further Readings” in my NLT Study Bible
