Job 2:10
But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Job’s response is profound: he doesn't just accept suffering, he recognizes that acknowledging good from God necessitates accepting evil, too, as part of His sovereign hand. This isn't mere resignation, but a radical acceptance that even hardship flows from the same divine source that blesses us.
Job's wife, seeing him in utter ruin and suffering, urges him to "curse God and die," believing any relationship with God is worthless in such despair. Job, however, rebukes her for speaking like a foolish, impious person, reminding her that they should accept both good and bad from God's hand. In this moment, despite the immense pain and her provocative words, Job remains steadfast, not sinning with his lips.
Job’s wife suggests he curse God and die. But Job’s response isn't just about accepting hardship; it's about understanding the nature of God's sovereignty.
When Job calls his wife's words "foolish," he’s not just saying she's being silly. The Hebrew word used here often describes someone who is not just unintelligent, but morally corrupt and impious – someone who rebels against God.
Job asks a profound question about receiving 'evil.' What does he mean by 'evil,' and why is accepting it crucial to his integrity?
Job’s famous retort, 'Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?' is often misunderstood. He’s not saying that God causes evil in the same way He causes good. Instead, he’s grappling with the sovereignty of God over all circumstances, even those that are painful and destructive.
Understand the original words
nebalah · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
In the Old Testament, the "fool" is not someone lacking intelligence, but one who lacks moral and spiritual wisdom, effectively living as if God does not exist or does not matter.
chata' · Hebrew Verb
To miss the mark of God's holy standard; it is an act of rebellion against God's law, character, or will, whether by thought, word, or deed.
This verse echoes Job's sentiment by assuring believers that God works all things for good, aligning with Job's acceptance of both good and evil from God's hand as part of His plan.
1 Peter 4:12Peter's encouragement not to be surprised by fiery trials connects to Job's mature acceptance of suffering, understanding it as a part of life under God's sovereignty, not just prosperity.
Hebrews 12:7-11This passage explains that God disciplines those He loves for their good, which deeply resonates with Job's struggle to accept suffering and his eventual understanding that even 'evil' from God has a purifying purpose.
John 10:29Jesus' promise that nothing can snatch believers from His hand underscores the security believers have in God, mirroring Job's firm stance that even extreme suffering couldn't separate him from God's ultimate goodness, despite his wife's urging.
bensonJob 2:10: "But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips."
Job 2:10 . But he said, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh — That is, like a rash, inconsiderate, and weak woman, that does not understand nor mind what she says: or rather, like a wicked and profane person, for such are frequently called fools in the Scriptures. Shall we re…
jfbJob 2:9-13: "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die."
Job 2:9-13. Job Reproves His Wife.9. curse God—rather, "renounce" God. (See on [493]Job 1:5) [Umbreit]. However, it was usual among the heathens, when disappointed in their prayers accompanied with offerings to their gods, to reproach and curse them.and die—that is, take thy farewell of God and so die. For no good is to be got out of religion, either here or hereafter; or, at least, not in thi…
Job’s response is profound: he doesn't just accept suffering, he recognizes that acknowledging good from God necessitates accepting evil, too, as part of His sovereign hand. This isn't mere resignation, but a radical acceptance that even hardship flows from the same divine source that blesses us.
Job's wife, seeing him in utter ruin and suffering, urges him to "curse God and die," believing any relationship with God is worthless in such despair. Job, however, rebukes her for speaking like a foolish, impious person, reminding her that they should accept both good and bad from God's hand. In this moment, despite the immense pain and her provocative words, Job remains steadfast, not sinning with his lips.
Job's wife, seeing him in utter ruin and suffering, urges him to "curse God and die," believing any relationship with God is worthless in such despair. Job, however, rebukes her for speaking like a foolish, impious person, reminding her that they should accept both good and bad from God's hand. In this moment, despite the immense pain and her provocative words, Job remains steadfast, not sinning with his lips.
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The text emphasizes that 'In all this Job did not sin with his lips.' What does this incredible restraint reveal about true righteousness?
This final phrase is the punchline. Despite the unimaginable suffering – the loss of his children, his wealth, his health – and the corrosive temptation from his own wife, Job holds fast.
"But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips." — Job’s response is profound: he doesn't just accept suffering, he recognizes that acknowledging good from God necessitates accepting evil, too, as part of His sovereign hand. This isn't mere resignati…
