Sunday: Zophar Speaks: Job 11:1-20
Zophar harshly accused Job of self-righteousness and stubbornness, telling him that he deserved to suffer even more than he had. He maintained that if Job would turn from sin, his sufferings would immediately cease, and security, prosperity and happiness would return. The Bible nowhere guarantees a life “brighter than noonday” for the faithful believer. Rather, we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)
Monday: Job Responds: Job 12:1-12
Job condemned the way prosperous people often think. In contempt, they look down on the poor and needy and justify their lack of sympathy by assuming that the unfortunate have brought adversity on themselves. At the same time, the prosperous are comfortable with their own lifestyle because they believe God has rewarded them for their faith and righteousness. Both assumptions are erroneous for there are numerous exceptions among believers.
Tuesday: To God Belongs Wisdom: Job 12:13-25
We must believe as Job that God is wise and powerful and that his ways with us are the best and surest means of attaining our highest good. (Isaiah 40:26, 28; Daniel 2:20; Romans 16:25, 27)
Wednesday: Job Lashes Out: Job 13:1-12
Job lashes out at his friends. He knows all their theories of suffering, but he also recognizes that they do not apply in his case because he is innocent of sin. Thus, his friends, in their efforts to defend God, have actually lied about God. Surely when the Lord examines them, their dogmatism will prove to be unfounded.
Thursday: Job’s Hope in God: Job 13:13-28
Here is one of the most astounding declaration of faith in God’s goodness ever uttered. Whatever God allowed to happen to Job, whatever burden He laid upon him, even if He should slay him, Job believed ultimately that God would not fail him. (Daniel 3:16-18; Romans 8:37-39)
Friday: The Brevity of Life: Job 14:1-12
Job emphasized the brevity of life. Everyone is weak, and all partake of a common sinful nature. No one is absolutely pure. Job never claimed sinless perfection, but he did claim that his severe punishment was unjustified. Now he begs God to treat him less severely and with more compassion and mercy.
Saturday: Will Man Live Again?: Job 14:13-22
Job believed that after he died and entered the grave, God would call him out again. Job expressed hope in a personal resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)