Why do bad things happen to good people? The book of Job gives a clear answer that often surprises people.

Who brought all the calamities to Job? It was NOT God. Who blamed God? It was NOT Job. Who believed Job would NOT turn from God? It was NOT Satan.

God permitted the test and set the limits (Job 1:12; 2:6), but He did NOT cause the suffering. Satan was the one who struck Job (Job 2:7).

Job’s friends were wise men, and much of their general teaching was sound. Their problem was that they misapplied their wisdom by trying to force it into Job’s situation. They assumed his suffering must be the result of personal sin, leaned on their own understanding, and tried to assign blame, which made God angry with them, so He rebuked them (Job 42:7).

When we do what Job’s friends did, lean on our own understanding and force our assumptions into God’s Word, we miss the wisdom, love, and peace that come only from listening to and applying Scripture rather than our own ideas. The book of Job warns us against this mistake and points us back to trusting the Lord rather than relying on our own deductions (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Scripture tells us to study. It shows us how to become “in Christ.” Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). God’s Word is the way to wisdom, understanding, and peace.

God is love. God is good. Satan is the evil one. The difference matters, and Scripture shows us the way.

Key Scriptures
Proverbs 3:5-6
2 Timothy 3:1-17
Acts 2:38
Romans 6:1-23
1 Corinthians 15:22
Job 1:1–42

God First!