Thursday, August 8 Job began to speak and to curse the day of his birth.​—Job 3:1.

[Áine]

Thursday, August 8

Job began to speak and to curse the day of his birth.—Job 3:1.

 

Imagine the scene. Sitting among the ashes, Job is in constant pain. (Job 2:8) His companions relentlessly attack his character and attempt to destroy his reputation. His trials weigh on him like heavy stones, while his grief over the loss of his children claws at his heart. At first, Job is silent. (Job 2:13) If Job’s companions interpret his silence as a sign that Job is going to turn his back on his Creator, they are sorely mistaken. At one point, Job—possibly raising his head and looking directly at his false friends—says: “Until I die, I will not renounce my integrity!” (Job 27:5) What helped Job to be so courageous and strong despite all his suffering? Even when he was at his lowest point, he never lost hope that his loving God would eventually bring him relief. He knew that even if he died, Jehovah would resurrect him.—Job 14:13-15. w22.06 22 ¶9

[BLEmom]

Job 3:1 has a reference to wl 217 but it’s not clickable. Does anyone know what that reference is?

[daydream]

36 minutes ago, BLEmom said:

what that reference is?

 

I used jw.org to search under abbreviations of publication titles. I was shocked how ancient this book is and previously I too have been stumped why some reference material that are not clickable. I betcha Br. @jwhesswould have a copy lovingly stored in his extensive library. Too ancient a relic to bother to looking at it. Just as ancient as my addled brain. Need to take Vit B12 supplements.

Enjoy your research

 

Spoiler

 

Edited August 8 by daydream

[dljbsp]

Job’s experience as described in Job 3:1 and his subsequent declarations provide deep insights into the nature of faith, integrity, and hope in the face of suffering.

 

Job’s Suffering and Initial Response

 

When Job began to speak and curse the day of his birth (Job 3:1), it was a profound expression of his intense anguish. Job, a man known for his righteousness and integrity, found himself in a situation where he lost his children, his health, and his wealth. Sitting among the ashes, scraping his painful sores with a piece of broken pottery (Job 2:8), Job was in a state of physical, emotional, and psychological torment.

 

The Misunderstanding of Job’s Friends

 

Initially, Job’s friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—came to comfort him but ended up accusing him. They suggested that his suffering must be a punishment for some hidden sin. This added to Job’s misery as he not only had to deal with his own pain but also had to defend his integrity against baseless accusations. Their relentless criticism and attempts to destroy his reputation weighed heavily on Job.

 

Job’s Integrity and Courage

 

Despite the overwhelming nature of his trials, Job’s declaration in Job 27:5, “Until I die, I will not renounce my integrity!” reflects his unwavering commitment to righteousness and his loyalty to Jehovah. Job’s courage to uphold his integrity, even when it seemed that God was silent and his friends were accusing him, is a testament to his strong character and deep faith.

 

Job’s Hope in Jehovah

 

One of the key factors that helped Job remain courageous and strong was his hope in Jehovah’s justice and love. Job expressed a profound hope in the resurrection when he said, “If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands” (Job 14:14-15). This hope that Jehovah would not forget him, even in death, provided Job with the strength to endure his suffering with dignity and faith.

 

Lessons from Job’s Experience

 

1. Faith in Adversity: Job’s story emphasizes that true faith is not dependent on favorable circumstances. Even when everything was taken from him, Job’s faith in Jehovah remained steadfast.

2. Integrity Amidst Accusations: Maintaining integrity, especially when falsely accused, is a significant aspect of faith. Job’s refusal to renounce his integrity, despite his friends’ accusations, shows the importance of staying true to one’s principles and beliefs.

3. Hope in God’s Justice: Job’s hope in Jehovah’s eventual justice and resurrection highlights the importance of having a long-term perspective, trusting that Jehovah will right all wrongs in His due time.

4. Strength in Suffering: The narrative of Job teaches that while suffering can be intense and seemingly unjust, faith and hope in God provide the strength to endure and maintain one’s integrity.

 

Application for Us

 

We, today can draw comfort and encouragement from Job’s example. In times of personal trials and suffering, maintaining faith and integrity, while holding onto the hope of Jehovah’s promises, can provide the strength needed to endure. Job’s unwavering faith and ultimate vindication by God serve as a powerful reminder of Jehovah’s love and justice. By following Job’s example, believers can find the courage to face their own challenges, knowing that Jehovah is always aware of their struggles and will ultimately bring relief.

[jwhess]

48 minutes ago, daydream said:

 

I used jw.org to search under abbreviations of publication titles. I was shocked how ancient this book is and previously I too have been stumped why some reference material that are not clickable. I betcha Br. @jwhesswould have a copy lovingly stored in his extensive library. Too ancient a relic to bother to looking at it. Just as ancient as my addled brain. Need to take Vit B12 supplements.

Enjoy your research

 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Of course I have a copy.  It was the first book released after Br. Rutherford's death.

Here is page 217 referenced in the note.

 

 

[BLEmom]

I was looking for more on that word cursed. Dare I request the next page to finish that paragraph? 🙏🏼

[Mike047]

John has a great storehouse of information and  a really fine library. This is the next page:

 

 

It's not easy to know what you want in addition but here is some further info that may help:

 

Job 3:1 

 

The Greek Septuagint offers  κατηράσατο for 'curse', in Job 3:1, which is also the basis for the 'curse' in the Greek of Luke 6:28; Rom 12:14 - to be of no account, or value.

Our brothers also suggest Jeremiah 20:14 "Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother gave birth to me not be blessed!", as a confirmation for Job's meaning.

The Septuagint Greek uses the same word here.

 

If he had not been born, then none of this would have happened. As a worshipper of Jehovah, he gave thanks to God for himself and his family. He never put the blame for any of his problems  on Jehovah, nor did he turn away from him.