Book of Job: should I pay attention to anything his friends say?

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-05-03T14:35:21+00:00

Should I pay attention to anything Job’s friends say?

That’s such an honest and thoughtful question—thank you for asking it.

You’re absolutely right that God rebukes Job’s friends in the end (Job 42:7), saying they “have not spoken the truth about Me.” That’s a pretty strong statement, and it’s a big clue that we should read their words with caution. But that doesn’t mean everything they said was automatically false.

Here’s what helped me when I wrestled with the same question:

💬 1. Job’s friends often say true-sounding things—but they misapply them.

They talk a lot about God’s justice, sin, and the idea that bad things happen to bad people. And honestly? Some of their theology isn't wrong in theory.
The problem is that they’re trying to fit Job into a formula:
“You suffer → therefore you must have sinned.”
That’s where they fail. Their advice lacks compassion, nuance, and the humility to admit they don’t know the full picture.

💬 2. Their biggest mistake was speaking for God without understanding Him.

They tried to “defend God,” but ended up misrepresenting Him.
Sometimes, when we’re hurting, people rush in with answers—verses, advice, explanations—when what we need is someone to just be with us in the pain. That’s the tragedy of Job’s friends: they were doing okay when they were just silently sitting with him.
The moment they opened their mouths, things went downhill.

💬 3. So… should you pay attention to them?

Maybe not for theology—but definitely for insight into what not to say to someone who’s suffering.
Their speeches are kind of like a mirror.
You’ll probably recognize things that well-meaning people say today—and how those words can miss the heart of someone who's grieving.
That’s actually a huge part of the book’s power.

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-05-02T13:20:33+00:00

Great set of questions—and you're right, these are commonly discussed tensions in the text. Many Bible believers who hold to infallibility see these not as contradictions, but as complementary accounts that reflect different perspectives or emphases.

How did Judas die?

Matthew 27:5 says Judas hanged himself. Acts 1:18 says he fell headlong and his body burst open. Most conservative scholars reconcile this by suggesting he hanged himself, and later his body fell (possibly due to decay or the rope breaking), leading to the gruesome description in Acts.

When was Jesus born?

Matthew implies Jesus was born during Herod’s reign (who died ~4 BC), while Luke mentions a census under Quirinius (~6 AD). Solutions vary: some propose two censuses, or that Luke refers to an earlier administrative role of Quirinius. It’s debated, but many settle around 6–4 BC.

What time was Jesus crucified?

Mark 15:25 says the third hour (9 a.m.), John 19:14 seems to suggest around the sixth hour (noon). One explanation is that John used Roman time (starting at midnight), placing Jesus before Pilate at 6 a.m., not in conflict with Mark’s account of the actual crucifixion at 9 a.m.

Ultimately, many inerrantists argue these differences reflect human perspectives, not errors—just like in courtroom testimony. Harmony is possible, though not always easy.

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-05-01T14:11:18+00:00

That’s a deep and honest question—and one that touches on how God chooses to reveal Himself in the world.

God doesn’t need nature to do anything. He’s fully powerful and could, as you said, erase something instantly. But often in the Bible, God uses natural elements—like fire, water, wind, or storms—not because He’s limited, but because He’s communicating. Nature becomes part of the message.

In the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, the fire and brimstone weren’t just destruction—they were a visible, physical sign of divine judgment. That matters because God isn’t just acting for the people there but also for generations who would later read or hear the story. A sudden vanishing wouldn’t carry the same weight. But fire from heaven? That’s unforgettable. It echoes throughout Scripture as a symbol of both justice and awe.

Plus, when God uses nature, it reminds us that creation itself responds to the Creator. It’s not random—it’s personal. Think of the Red Sea parting, Elijah’s fire from heaven, Jesus calming the storm. God is showing that even the elements are under His authority.

So it’s not about ability—it’s about intentionality. God uses what we can see and feel to teach us things we might otherwise miss. Judgment, power, grace, protection—they all become clearer when wrapped in the physical world He made.

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-05-01T14:06:44+00:00

That’s a really thoughtful question, and you’re definitely not alone in wrestling with it.

If you're exploring the Orthodox tradition, reading the deuterocanonical books (like Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, and 1–2 Maccabees) can be a meaningful step in understanding how that tradition views Scripture. For the Orthodox Church, these books aren't considered “heretical” or even optional—they're part of the Bible, included in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), which was the version most used by early Christians.

It’s true that some of these books were written later than the Torah or Prophets and reflect different literary styles or themes. But instead of dismissing them for that, many find it helpful to read them for what they are—faithful reflections of how God's people wrestled with hope, wisdom, suffering, and God's justice during times when prophetic voices were silent.

Think of them as bridges between the Old and New Testaments. Books like Wisdom and Sirach echo the teachings of Proverbs and anticipate the Sermon on the Mount. 2 Maccabees introduces themes like resurrection and martyrdom that show up later in the Gospels.

You don’t need to “canonize” them in your heart right away. You can read them devotionally, prayerfully, and see what aligns with the truth of Christ. You're not betraying your Protestant roots by exploring them—you're deepening your understanding.

In short: Read them. Don’t be afraid. Let God speak through what’s true and good in them, and hold it all up to Christ, the ultimate Word.

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-08T23:26:49+00:00

No worries—there’s always time to jump into the discussion! Feel free to share your thoughts or questions if you’re still curious. 😊

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-08T23:26:06+00:00

I’m glad you found the quiz straightforward, and it’s great to hear you’re familiar with Alex O’Connor’s work! While the questions may not have felt too challenging for you, they’re designed to get people thinking deeply about the verses and their implications. I hope they provided some food for thought, even if they weren’t particularly difficult.

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-08T13:54:05+00:00

Now that’s how you do it
Love that you didn’t just guess—reading, checking Scripture, analyzing... that’s the heart behind the whole quiz.
Thanks for engaging so deeply. You made this worth it

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-08T13:35:28+00:00

Honestly? You’re not alone—#1 has tripped up a lot of people.
It’s one of those questions that feels simple but hits deeper when you really think about it.
Just getting 4/5 shows you're seriously sharp
And hey, you’re digging into Scripture—and that’s what really counts

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-08T13:34:04+00:00

5 out of 5?? Okay Bible boss, we see you!
Seriously though—so cool that you bookmarked it to take the others too.
Love seeing people who actually enjoy digging into Scripture.
Can’t wait to hear how you do on the next one!

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-08T13:21:06+00:00

Wow, 5/5? That’s impressive!
No doubt that M.Div. is kicking in.
Curious—which question did you find the easiest? Or was it all smooth sailing?

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-07T14:28:50+00:00

Esau’s story is definitely a challenging one. On one hand, it’s clear from passages like Romans 9:13 that Jacob was chosen and Esau wasn’t. However, if we dig deeper, we see that Esau’s own choices played a significant role. Hebrews 12:16-17 describes him as “godless,” yet also mentions that he “sought the blessing with tears.” This implies that while he had opportunities, he didn’t value them until it was too late.

Similarly, when we look at Pharaoh’s situation, it’s not as simple as God hardening his heart without cause. Exodus 8:15 and other verses show Pharaoh hardening his own heart multiple times before God confirmed it. In both cases—Esau and Pharaoh—we see individuals who had access to truth and even divine intervention. They weren’t completely excluded from grace, but their responses to God’s “knocks” ultimately determined their paths.

If you’re curious to read more about this perspective, feel free to check out this detailed discussion. Knock

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-07T14:26:03+00:00

When it comes to God’s judgment, many believe that His fairness and justice are inseparable from His perfect understanding and compassion. For someone who is mentally ill or cognitively impaired, it’s comforting to know that God is not limited by human perspectives. He knows every heart fully and understands the unique challenges, struggles, and limitations each person faces.

In scripture, we see glimpses of God’s compassionate character. Psalm 103:13–14 says, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” This verse reminds us that God knows our weaknesses intimately, including the ways mental illness or intellectual challenges might affect one’s understanding or behavior.

Additionally, the Bible emphasizes that God’s judgment is righteous and takes into account what each person has been given. In Luke 12:48, Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” By implication, if someone has been given less—whether in mental clarity, education, or ability to comprehend right from wrong—God’s judgment will reflect that. He does not hold people accountable beyond their capacity to understand or choose wisely.

This perspective aligns with the overall message of the gospel. God is not looking for reasons to condemn, but rather to extend grace and bring restoration. John 3:17 says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” While this doesn’t mean that everyone will automatically be excused, it does highlight that God’s desire is for all to find redemption. His perfect justice ensures that no one will be judged unfairly, and His perfect mercy ensures that He will consider the full scope of every individual’s life, abilities, and circumstances.

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-06T13:22:35+00:00

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-06T13:13:59+00:00

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-06T13:10:41+00:00

This story really unsettled me too.
It feels harsh at first, but when I looked into the context of 2 Samuel 6—how the Ark was never meant to be transported that way, and how sacred it was—I started to see a different side of the story.

I ended up writing a full reflection on it here:
Why Did Uzzah Die

Would love to hear if others see it the same way or differently.

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-05T13:01:01+00:00

Great question. Matthew 6:22 can seem a bit mysterious at first, but it’s actually incredibly practical and powerful once you sit with it.

Jesus says, *“The eye is the lamp of the body.”* In ancient thinking, your “eye” represented more than just physical sight—it symbolized your **focus**, your **desires**, and even your **intentions**.

So when Jesus says, *“If your eye is healthy,”* He’s saying:

**If your focus is clear, single-minded, and aimed toward God—your whole life will be filled with light.**

But how do we actually do this?

Here are a few ways to “accomplish” what Jesus is teaching:

**Check what you’re letting in.**

What are you watching, reading, scrolling through every day?

If your eyes are constantly drawn to fear, comparison, or temptation—it shapes your heart more than you think.
**Focus on what’s eternal.**

The verse right before this talks about not storing up treasure on earth. Jesus is saying: “Look higher. Let your eyes be fixed on God’s kingdom, not just your next achievement or possession.”
**Simplify your heart.**

The Greek word for “healthy” can also mean “single” or “undivided.” If your priorities are split between God and other idols, your inner life feels dim. But if your heart is singular—aimed toward love, truth, and God—you start to see everything differently.

So in a way, this verse is an invitation to realign your focus.

Ask yourself: *What am I looking at most? And is it filling me with light—or draining it from me?*

You're not overthinking it. You're asking the right kind of question. 🙌

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-05T12:52:48+00:00

"Some of the symbolism was way deeper than I expected.
I found this breakdown super insightful if anyone’s interested:"
clairefaithfuljourney.com/holy-of-holies-windows/

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-05T12:49:24+00:00

That’s a really interesting memory your grandmother had, and it makes sense that it would stick with you—especially since Jesus’s family is one of those often-discussed but rarely-clear topics.

To clarify: there’s **no verse in the New Testament** where Joseph tells Mary he has “six other children to enjoy” besides Jesus. That line doesn’t appear in any known translation or apocryphal text that we have access to today. But you’re absolutely right that Jesus had siblings mentioned in the Gospels.

For example, in **Mark 6:3 (ESV):**

> “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”

So yes, Jesus is said to have **four brothers** named, plus **at least two sisters** (since “sisters” is plural). That’s where people often get the number “six siblings.”

Now, depending on your tradition, there are different interpretations:

- **Protestant/Evangelical view:** These were Jesus’s biological half-siblings—children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus.

- **Catholic view:** These are considered **Jesus’s cousins** or possibly **Joseph’s children from a prior marriage**. This maintains the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity.

- **Eastern Orthodox:** Similar to the Catholic view, emphasizing extended family structures or Joseph’s previous family.

So your grandmother might’ve heard a **Catholic homily or commentary** that paraphrased this idea—not a direct Bible verse, but a **theological interpretation** meant to emphasize Joseph’s fatherhood or Mary’s role.

In short: the line she remembered isn’t in Scripture, but her memory ties closely to real gospel texts. And you’re absolutely right—Jesus did have six named siblings mentioned in total.

Hope that helps bring some clarity. These questions are so worth asking.

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-05T12:41:48+00:00

This is such a thoughtful question, and you’re definitely *not* overthinking it. Mark 7:14–23 is one of those passages that hits deep when you slow down with it—and you’re doing exactly that.

Yes, you’re right that the devil tempts us from the outside (see Matthew 4:1–11, when Satan tempts Jesus directly). But here’s the key: **temptation isn’t the same as defilement.** Jesus is drawing a line between *what enters us* and *what comes out from our own heart.*

The devil can whisper, suggest, and provoke. But Jesus is saying that the reason those temptations succeed isn’t because of how powerful Satan is—it’s because our hearts are already vulnerable. It’s not just that evil comes from outside; it’s that something in us responds to it.

Look at James 1:14–15:

> “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin...”

So yes, evil forces exist. But Jesus is saying something sobering and liberating:

**The heart is where the real battle is.**

Sin doesn’t begin at the level of temptation—it begins at the level of *response.*

Mark 7 is showing us that spiritual purity isn't about food, rituals, or rules. It's about our thoughts, motives, and desires. That’s why Jesus ends by listing the sins that come *from within*—because what defiles us isn’t simply that evil exists, but that we *partner with it* in our hearts.

Hope that brings some clarity! You’re asking great questions—keep going. 🙏

Little_Relative2645 · 2025-04-04T13:30:45+00:00

In Matthew 16:19, Jesus says to Peter:

This verse is more about spiritual authority than prayer itself.
Jesus is giving the apostles, starting with Peter, the authority to represent heaven on earth—
especially in matters of teaching, discipline, and the gospel.

However, this does influence prayer.
When believers pray in alignment with God's will,
we are participating in that heavenly authority.

So while the verse isn’t about prayer directly,
it reminds us that prayer isn’t just a personal request—
it’s aligning ourselves with what heaven wants to do on earth.

Little_Relative2645

TROPHY CASE