Job·Chapter 35

How to Apply

Take a moment this week to reflect on your actions and your motivations. Ask yourself why you do the good things you do. Is it out of obligation, or is it because you genuinely care? Try to be more intentional in your interactions – maybe perform a random act of kindness without expecting anything in return. It could be as simple as helping a friend or volunteering your time. Let your actions flow from a place of genuine love and connection, rather than just a checklist of ‘good behavior.’

Chapter Context

In this chapter, Job is having a serious conversation about suffering and fairness. Leading up to this moment, Job’s friends have been arguing about why bad things happen to good people. They think Job must have done something wrong to deserve his pain. But here, Job is pushing back, asking what it really means to be 'good' and questioning if those actions even matter to God. This verse is pivotal because it flips the conversation – it’s not just about what you do, but about the heart behind it. It’s a moment of clarity that challenges previous assumptions and sets the stage for deeper understanding.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• if - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• righteous - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• what - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• give - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• or - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• what - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• receive - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• from - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• hand - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What do you think your actions say about your relationship with God? Are you doing good things just to fulfill an expectation, or is there a deeper connection driving you?

Related Verses

• Isaiah 58:6 - This verse talks about true fasting and helping those in need, showing that actions should come from a heart of compassion, not just ritual.
• Micah 6:8 - This verse summarizes what God asks of you: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. It emphasizes that it’s about how you live, not just what you do.
• James 2:17 - This verse highlights that faith without action is dead, stressing the importance of genuine deeds that reflect your beliefs and values.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Job 35:7. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Divine Sovereignty, Human Suffering, Transcendence of God, Righteousness and Justice, The Nature of Prayer, Pride and Humility, Understanding God

Key Verses

Job 35:2, Job 35:6, Job 35:10, Job 35:13, Job 35:16

Historical Context

Job Chapter 35 is part of a larger discourse in the Book of Job, where Job grapples with the reality of his suffering despite being a righteous man. Elihu, who appears later in the narrative, presents a unique perspective that contrasts with the views of Job and his friends. While Job's friends argue that suffering is a direct result of sin, Elihu introduces the idea that God's ways are beyond human comprehension and that suffering can serve purposes unknown to humanity. Elihu's speech emphasizes the need for humility and a deeper understanding of God's nature, setting the stage for the eventual divine response that will follow in the later chapters.