Job in Bible Summary: Lessons from the Story of Job

Verses to read

• “He said, 'Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the name of Yahweh.'”

  Job 1:21

• “Yahweh restored Job’s fortunes when he prayed for his friends. Yahweh gave Job twice as much as he had before.”

  Job 42:10

Why did Job lose everything?

The Bible says Job was a blameless man. But an accuser named Satan told God that Job only loved Him because Job was rich and safe. God allowed Satan to test Job's faith by taking away his possessions.

In a single day, Job lost his farm animals and his servants. Then, a great wind knocked down a house, and all ten of his children died. Soon after, Job got painful sores all over his skin. Job was very sad, but he did not blame God.

What did Job's friends say?

Three of Job's friends came to sit with him. At first, they were quiet and shared his grief. But soon, they began to argue with Job. They told him that bad things only happen to bad people.

They thought Job must have done something very wrong to deserve such pain. Job told them they were wrong. He knew he had not committed a great sin, and he wanted to ask God for an explanation.

How did God answer Job?

After Job and his friends finished talking, God spoke from a great whirlwind. God did not explain why the bad things happened. Instead, He asked Job questions about the stars, the ocean, and the animals.

God showed Job that humans cannot understand everything about how the world works. God is the Creator and is much wiser than people. Job realized that God is in control and he trusted God's power.

How does the story of Job end?

God told Job's friends that they were wrong about why people suffer. Job prayed for his friends, and God forgave them. Then, God blessed Job more than he was blessed at the beginning.

Job received twice as many animals as he had before. He also had seven more sons and three more daughters. Job lived a long, happy life and saw his grandchildren grow up.

Common questions

What is the main lesson of Job?

The main lesson is that we should trust God even when life is hard. We may not know why we suffer, but God is still in control and loves us.

Did Job ever sin by complaining?

Job was frustrated and asked many questions, but he did not turn away from God. The Bible says that in all his trouble, Job did not sin with his lips.

Who was the fourth friend who spoke to Job?

A younger man named Elihu also spoke to Job. He told Job that God might use suffering to teach people and keep them from pride.

Where is the Book of Job located in the Bible?

The Book of Job is in the Old Testament. It is part of the books of poetry and wisdom, located right before the Book of Psalms.