One of the ways our family often studies together is by marking the keywords of a book. We take a word and follow it through to see how it is used in the text. In the book of Job, “know” is such a word. It is often used, 87 times in fact. However, what is most interesting in the book is how it is used.

When tragedy strikes Job’s household, this conversation begins between the man and his friends. What they “know” (or think they know) is very much at the forefront. Job will argue that he doesn’t know why this is happening because he has done no wrong. His three friends contend that they know Job must have committed some great sin. All the evidence they need to see is in what has happened thus far.

Job answers that indeed he does not know what he has done. Still, he does know one crucial fact. He knows God is in control and that He is faithful (see 19:25; 31:6, et al.).

After several rounds, a fourth friend (Elihu) stands up. He has heard enough. He rebukes these four old men for running their mouth and not doing what is right (32:6-7). This young man just knows he has it all figured out (32:10, 17; 33:3; 36:4, et al.).

Then God speaks. He never answers Job nor the friends’ question of why this all happened. He simply challenges them. If they know so much, let them give some knowledge to the Lord God (38:2-5, 12, 18, 21, 33; 39:1-2; 40:6). In 40:1-6, Job answers the Lord. He says, “I know nothing but You. You teach me.”

The book of Job is all about how the righteous can deal with suffering. So, what can we know?

That we do not know the why of suffering.
That we can make suffering worse for someone when we presume to know.
That the only thing we need to know when it comes to suffering is the One in control.

I may not know what tomorrow may bring. I may never know why I endure certain things. All I need to know is the Lord God. He knows all, is all-powerful, and cares for me and you.

Corey Sawyers