In Job 2, Satan again challenges Job’s faith, suggesting that he will curse God if his health is taken. God allows Job to be afflicted with painful sores. Despite his suffering, Job does not curse God, but his wife encourages him to give up. Job responds, maintaining his trust in God’s sovereignty.
Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?
Job 2:9-10 (NIV): “His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!’ He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
In Job 2, Job’s faith faces an even deeper test. After losing his children, wealth, and possessions, Satan now strikes his health with painful sores. His suffering becomes unbearable, yet Job does not curse God. His wife, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his pain, urges him to curse God and end his life. To her, it seems that God has abandoned Job, and death appears to be the only relief.
Job’s Response
But Job responds with an incredible declaration of faith: “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10). He acknowledges that both blessings and hardships are part of God’s will. Despite his misery, Job does not accuse God of wrongdoing or blame Him for his suffering. This response demonstrates Job’s unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty.
James 1:13 (EASY) reminds us: “When troubles happen to you, you may want to do something bad. But don’t say, ‘God is making me do wrong things.’ Nothing can make God do anything bad.” Job’s refusal to curse God shows us the importance of maintaining our faith through trials. True faith is not about expecting only blessings, but about trusting God even when life doesn’t go as planned. Like Job, we can choose to honour God through every hardship, knowing that His wisdom and goodness remain perfect, even when we don’t understand our circumstances.