Page 823 - The MacArthur Daily Bible

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AUGUST 10
have a naive innocence. So this question could be rephrased:“Why do little children and people
who live exemplary lives suffer?”
This question reveals the assumption that there is a direct connection between righteousness
and innocence on the one hand and pain-free living on the other.There may be a connection, but
it is not direct. Indeed, sin eventually does lead to suffering, but suffering is not an infallible indica-
tor of sin.Job’s friends could not see beyond this point.For them,a person’s suffering was always an
effect whose only cause could be that person’s sin.
The righteous and the innocent do indeed suffer for a variety of reasons: 1) Sometimes righ-
teous actions in a sinful world involve suffering—as when a righteous person sacrifices his or her
life for another; 2) Sometimes the sins of others involve the righteous in suffering—a child may be
deeply hurt as a result of his or her parent’s actions; 3) The righteous and innocent are not exempt
from the painful situations which arise in life in an imperfect and sinful world—like toothaches and
smashed fingers; and 4) People sometimes suffer for no specific reason that can be clarified. Job is
a perfect illustration of this last experience.

11 For He knows deceitful men;
AUGUST 10 He sees wickedness also.
Will He not then consider it?
12 For an empty-headed man will be wise,
Job 11:1–12:25 When a wild donkey’s colt is born a
man.
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered
11 and said: 13 “If you would prepare your heart,
And stretch out your hands toward
2 “Should not the multitude of words be Him;
answered? 14 If iniquity were in your hand, and you
And should a man full of talk be put it far away,
vindicated? And would not let wickedness dwell in
3
Should your empty talk make men your tents;
hold their peace? 15 Then surely you could lift up your face
And when you mock, should no one without spot;
rebuke you? Yes, you could be steadfast, and not
For you have said, fear;
4
‘My doctrine is pure, 16 Because you would forget your misery,
And I am clean in your eyes.’
5 But oh, that God would speak, And remember it as waters that have
And open His lips against you, 17 passed away,
6 That He would show you the secrets And your life would be brighter than
of wisdom! noonday.
For they would double your prudence. Though you were dark, you would be
Know therefore that God exacts from like the morning.
18 And you would be secure, because
you
Less than your iniquity deserves. there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and
7 “Can you search out the deep things take your rest in safety.
of God? 19 You would also lie down, and no one
Can you find out the limits of the would make you afraid;
Almighty? Yes, many would court your favor.
8 They are higher than heaven— what 20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail,
can you do? And they shall not escape,
Deeper than Sheol—what can you And their hope—loss of life!”
know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth 12 Then Job answered and said:
And broader than the sea.
2 “No doubt you are the people,
10 “If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers And wisdom will die with you!
to judgment, 3 But I have understanding as well as you;
Then who can hinder Him? I am not inferior to you.

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