The Judgments of Job, by Joseph Brickey

August 1–7

Job 1–3; 12–14; 19; 21–24; 38–40; 42

“Yet Will I Trust in Him”

As you read about Job, the Spirit will guide you to discover important truths relevant to you. Write down what you discover, and ponder how these truths apply to you.

Record Your Impressions

It’s natural to wonder why bad things happen to good people—or for that matter, why good things happen to bad people. Why would God, who is just, allow that? Questions like these are explored through the experience of Job, one of those good people to whom bad things happened. Because of Job’s trials, his friends wondered if he was really good after all. Job asserted his own righteousness and wondered if God is really just after all. But despite his suffering and wondering, Job maintained his integrity and faith in Jesus Christ. In the book of Job, faith is questioned and tested but never completely abandoned. That doesn’t mean that all of the questions are answered. But the book of Job teaches that until they are answered, questions and faith can coexist, and regardless of what happens in the meantime, we can say of our Lord, “Yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15).

For an overview of the book of Job, see “Job” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Job 1–3; 12–13

My trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can help me remain faithful in all circumstances.

The opening chapters of Job are intended to emphasize Satan’s role as our adversary or accuser, not to describe how God and Satan really interact. As you read Satan’s claims about Job (see Job 1:9–11; 2:4–5), you might ponder if the same could be said about you. You might ask yourself, What are my reasons for remaining faithful to God? Ponder the trials Job was given and his responses (see Job 1:20–22; 2:9–10). What do you learn from him that might help you respond to your challenges?

Even though Job was trying to stay faithful, his trials and his suffering continued (note his laments in chapter 3). In fact, his suffering seemed to intensify, and his friends suggested that God was punishing him (see Job 4–5; 8; 11). As you read part of Job’s response in chapters 12–13, consider what Job knew about God that enabled him to continue trusting, despite his suffering and unanswered questions. What do you know about God that helps you face challenges? How have you come to know these truths, and how have they strengthened your faith?

Job 19

Jesus Christ is my Redeemer.

Sometimes the most important truths are revealed to us in the midst of our deepest anguish. Ponder the trials Job described in Job 19:1–22 and the truths he proclaimed in Job 19:23–27. Then ponder how you know that your Redeemer lives. What difference does this knowledge make when you experience difficult trials?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–12; 122.

Job, by Gary L. Kapp

Job 21–24

“When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

As you read more of the debate between Job and his friends about the reasons behind Job’s suffering, you might ponder how you would answer the question at the heart of their debate: Why do the righteous sometimes suffer and the wicked sometimes go unpunished? Think about this as you read Job 21–24. What do you know about Heavenly Father and His plan that can help provide answers? See, for example, 2 Nephi 2:11–13; Mosiah 23:21–23; 24:10–16; Abraham 3:22–26; Dallin H. Oaks, “Opposition in All Things,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 114–17.

See also L. Todd Budge, “Consistent and Resilient Trust,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 47–49.

Job 38; 40; 42

God’s perspective is greater than mine.

Frustrated with the accusations of his friends (see Job 16:1–5; 19:1–3), Job repeatedly cried to God seeking an explanation for his suffering (see Job 19:6–7; 23:1–9; 31). Elder Neal A. Maxwell observed that “when we are unduly impatient with an omniscient God’s timing,” as Job seemed to be, “we really are suggesting that we know what is best. Strange, isn’t it—we who wear wristwatches seek to counsel Him who oversees cosmic clocks and calendars” (“Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 63). Ponder these words as you read God’s response to Job in chapters 38 and 40. What truths was He teaching Job? Why are these truths important for us to know as we struggle with adversity and questions here in mortality? What impresses you about Job’s response in Job 42:1–6?

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Job 1:20–22.To understand how Job might have felt, as described in these verses, your family could read “Job” in Old Testament Stories or act out Job 1:13–22. What can we learn from Job’s example?

Job 14:14.How would we answer Job’s question in this verse? How could Alma 11:42–44 help us? (See also the video “He Lives—Celebrate Easter Because Jesus Christ Lives,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

Job 16:1–5.Are we ever like Job’s friends, who judged and criticized Job when he needed comfort? (see Job 16:1–4; see also John 7:24). How can our words strengthen others in their grief? (see Job 16:5).

Job 19:23–27.After reading these verses, family members could share how they know that our Redeemer lives. You might work together to put your words of testimony (or children’s drawings of the Savior) in a book, such as a family journal (see verse 23). You could also sing a song that testifies of the Savior, such as “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns, no. 136), and share phrases that strengthen your faith in Him.

Job 23:8–11.What does it mean to “come forth” from our trials “as gold”? (see also the video “The Refiner’s Fire,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Who do we know who has done this? Children might enjoy making something with the words from verse 10 written on it. You might also discuss how Jesus Christ overcame His trials (see Luke 22:41–44; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19).

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns, no. 135.

Improving Personal Study

Imagine. Meaningful insights can come as we try to put ourselves into the scriptures. For instance, putting yourself in Job’s situation could help you ponder your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Job and His Friends, by Ilya Repin