Is Life Fair? - Job Chapter Six Series

Jewels From Job

Job Chapter #6

Job will answer the accusations of Eliphaz that are found in Job chapter five. His response is found in Job 6-7. Remember Eliphaz has told Job the he does not suffer for no reason. Eliphaz believes that Job has sinned and that is the reason the he is now suffering.

1 Then Job answered and said: 2 "Oh, that my grief were fully weighed, And my calamity laid with it on the scales! 3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea-- Therefore my words have been rash. Job 6:1-3 (NKJV)

IS LIFE FAIR?

We all think that life should be fair – but what if it’s not? What if the scales are already tipped? Is life fair? We see the images of Lady Justice in our mind – blindfolded with scales in her hand – the scales are in balance – but is that reality – what if they are tipped? We would say that we were not treated fairly. Job does.

Some are born in wealth – some in poverty. Some are born black – some are born white. Some are born physically whole – some are born with physical challenges. Some were born male – some were born female. Some were born tall – some were born short. Some are born with a high IQ – others are born simple. Do we ever examine the justice of this? Those things which we were born with most of us do not question. Those are things we consider as “normal”. We have no control over them. It is the hand which we have been dealt at birth and we accept it. But when the cards are re-shuffled in the middle of the game and if we get a bad hand – we complain.

Job will now claim that what is happening to him is not fair. He does not see that he has gone down the wrong path – because as far as the story goes – he has not. As you recall suffering comes on the just and the unjust. We live in a fallen world and we all suffer – if not for our sin – because of and for the sins of others.

Job uses the image of a scale – a balance – to show how heavy his grief is. 2 If only my grief could be weighed and my devastation placed with it on a scale. 3 For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas! That is why my words are rash. Job 6:2-3 (HCSB)

4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; My spirit drinks in their poison; The terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5 Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass, Or does the ox low over its fodder? 6 Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? 7 My soul refuses to touch them; They are as loathsome food to me. Job 6:4-7 (NKJV)

DOES GOD PUNISH THE INNOCENT?

Job believes that the calamity that has fallen on Him is from God. At least he says that, “Surely the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me.” Job 6:4 (HCSB) These are not just common arrows – that would be enough – but they are poison arrows.

Job believes he is being mistreated. He uses four questions to make his point.

1. Does a donkey bray when it is well fed?

2. Does an ox moo when it has plenty of food?

3. Do you like to eat bland food?

4. Does the white of an egg have enough flavor for you?

The Message Bible says it this way: “Donkeys bray and cows moo when they run out of pasture— so don’t expect me to keep quiet in this. Do you see what God has dished out for me? It’s enough to turn anyone’s stomach! Everything in me is repulsed by it— it makes me sick.” Job 6:5-7 (MSG)

Notice again that Job believes that the calamity has come upon him by God’s hands.

8 "Oh, that I might have my request, That God would grant me the thing that I long for! 9 That it would please God to crush me, That He would loose His hand and cut me off! 10 Then I would still have comfort; Though in anguish, I would exult, He will not spare; For I have not concealed the words of the Holy One. Job 6:8-10 (NKJV)

JOB’S REQUEST OF GOD

It is interesting to note that Job has not turned his back on God. In fact even through all his suffering – he now makes a request of God. “Take my life.” Job never mentions suicide – it seems to him that is not an option. But it is an option to make a request of God. In the bible suicide is never viewed in a positive light. What Job does ask for is that: “God would decide to crush me, to unleash His power and cut me off!” Job 6:9 (HCSB)