7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” Job 2:7–9
Having already suffered the loss of his children, possessions, and health at the hands of the enemy, Job’s own wife now tempts him to sin against God. Her question and statement sadly echo the sentiment of the devil himself (Job 1:11, 2:3-4). And, her words point forward to the words the accuser would use to tempt the famished Savior in the wilderness.
Because she is mentioned so briefly, it could be easy to forget Job’s wife had lost almost everything he had lost. She was not a mere bystander or friend looking on at Job’s suffering. She had skin in the game, just not skin covered with loathsome sores. But, this suffering was no excuse for her egregious sin, which put even her soul at risk. Consider Jesus’ words regarding those by whom temptations come:
“Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.” Matthew 18:7-9
Contrast the character of Job’s wife with the character of God who “cannot be tempted with evil,” and who “himself tempts no one.” (James 1:13)
And contrast her tempting words with encouraging words of Jesus to his disciples:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Bereans, in this life you will have countless opportunities to suffer alongside others. Many of you are doing so now. Therefore, resist the devil and take captive every thought, rest in the peace of Christ, and encourage your fellow saints with His victory.
Though it can’t be said for sure, because nothing is mentioned about a new wife for Job in the narrative of the restoration of his fortunes, it would seem God graciously allowed the same woman, who so grievously tempted her husband, to share in his joy and bear his children again.
Have you sinfully tempted others? Repent and know that the One was tempted in all ways as you are and yet without sin has secured for you a future of infinite joy and everlasting life.
In Christ,
Pastor Rich
*For a long time now I have been fascinated with the questions found in the book of Job. I have determined to consider these questions one by one as I have the opportunity to write the weekly pastoral encouragements in the years ahead.
**Next time: Answering a bad question with a good question!
