The Book of Job

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Each day, tragedy and suffering may come into people’s lives. Loved ones die or are permanently harmed by disease, accident, or natural disaster. How could God allow these things to happen? How could they happen even to those who serve the Lord diligently? Does God cause all of this suffering, sorrow, and death?

In addressing these kinds of questions, President Spencer W. Kimball said:

“Answer if you can. I cannot, for though I know God has a major role in our lives, I do not know how much he causes to happen and how much he merely permits. Whatever the answer to this question, there is another I feel sure about.

“Could the Lord have prevented these tragedies? The answer is, Yes. The Lord is omnipotent, with all power to control our lives, save us pain, prevent all accidents, drive all planes and cars, feed us, protect us, save us from labor, effort, sickness, even from death, if he will. But he will not” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 96).

Why won’t the Lord protect and save us from all of the adversities and opposition of life’s experiences? (see Abraham 3:25). Would doing so strengthen or weaken us?

The book of Job deals with difficult questions. Job tells the story of a righteous man who suffered greatly. How he dealt with his adversity and what he learned from his experiences can teach us important lessons about our suffering and the sorrows of those around us. The Lord used the story of Job to teach the Prophet Joseph Smith about tribulation at a time when the Prophet was in Liberty Jail and wondered why he was suffering (see D&C 121:1–33). As you read Job, consider what you learn about Heavenly Father’s plan and what purpose suffering has in that plan.

Getting Ready to Study the Book of Job

Although we know very little about Job (pronounced Jōb), he probably lived in the time of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). His book is placed in the “poetry” section of the Bible because the story is told in poetic form, which makes it perhaps one of the more difficult Old Testament books to read and understand. The poetry, however, helps the story come across with more feeling. Since poetry is meant to be read aloud, you may want to read aloud a few verses you like and see if doing so helps you understand the feeling and meaning of Job. For an overview of the book of Job, see the Bible Dictionary, “Job, book of” (pp. 713–14).