Job 2:10
French (La Bible expliquée)
« Tu parles comme une femme privée de bon sens, lui répondit Job. Si nous acceptons de Dieu le bonheur, pourquoi refuserions-nous de lui le malheur? » La logique traditionnelle est rompue lorsque l'innocent est frappé par la maladie. Comme Ève auprès d'Adam (Gen 3), la femme de Job introduit le doute: « Tu ferais mieux de maudire Dieu. » Elle relaie auprès de Job la stratégie envisagée par l'accusateur (en hébreu: le satan) dans la scène céleste au chapitre précédent. Le rôle de sa femme est donc déterminant pour l'ensemble du livre: elle va susciter les nombreuses réflexions de Job sur le rapport entre la faute et le malheur. La traduction grecque du v. 9 contient une addition de plusieurs lignes. On y apprend, entre autres, que la femme de Job est réduite au statut de servante allant de maison en maison. Cette tradition a connu un certain succès dans les relectures juives et musulmanes, qui la décrivent en train de travailler, de mendier et même de vendre ses cheveux pour apporter à Job un peu de pain! Dans cette nouvelle épreuve Job ne prononça aucun mot qui puisse offenser Dieu.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Job is speaking to his wife after losing everything. He tells her not to speak like a foolish person and reminds her that they should accept both good and bad things from God. Job is showing great patience and faith.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a lemonade stand and one day, all your lemons go bad. Your friend says, 'Just give up!' But you remember that sometimes you get good lemons and sometimes you get bad ones. You keep trying because you know things will get better. That's what Job is doing here.
Historical Background
The Book of Job is an ancient text, traditionally ascribed to Moses or another early Hebrew author. It was written around 1500-1000 BCE and is set in the land of Uz. The story of Job was meant to explore the nature of suffering and faith in God, addressing the audience of Hebrews and possibly other ancient Near Eastern peoples.
Living It Out Today
Imagine you've been passed over for a promotion at work. Instead of getting angry, you could remember that both good and bad things happen in life, and you can choose to stay positive and faithful. Job's response teaches us to maintain our faith through tough times.
Topics
faithsufferingpatiencetrustperseverancegood and evil
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Job not get angry at his wife?
Job did not get angry at his wife because he was determined to maintain his faith and trust in God, even in the face of great adversity.
What is the main lesson from Job 2:10?
The main lesson from Job 2:10 is that we should accept both good and bad things from God with faith and patience.
How does Job's response show his faith?
Job's response shows his faith because he remains steadfast in his belief that God is in control, accepting both good and bad with equanimity.
What can we learn about patience from Job?
From Job, we can learn that patience is a virtue that allows us to endure suffering without losing faith or hope.
Compare Job 2:10 across all translations →