Analysis the Wisdom of Job

Wisdom of Job The book of Job is one of the greatest depictions of the concept of theodicy in the Holy Scripture. Job is seen to undergo large-scale suffering in the hands of Satan before God finally restores him to his original state of wealth and glory. This text analyses among other things, how the book of Job qualifies as speculative wisdom literature, its major themes, and the specific features it uses to present these themes.

Analysis of the Book of Job In this context, the term 'wisdom literature' encompasses the various books in the Bible that contemplate the complex situations of human life and give instructions for successful Christian living. They can be categorized into two -- Proverbial wisdom literature, and speculative wisdom literature. The book of Proverbs is a perfect example of the former, whereas Job and Ecclesiastes lend themselves more to the latter.

This text dwells specifically on the book of Job, analyzing among other things, how it qualifies as speculative wisdom literature, its major themes, and the specific features it uses to present these themes. Job as Speculative Wisdom Literature Proverbial wisdom literature comprises of short, pithy maxims that provide the basic rules for personal welfare and happiness, without much explanation (Roxberg et al., 2011). Speculative wisdom literature, on the other hand, dwells on the complex issues facing humanity.

These are characterized by dialogues and monologues as people try to comprehend complex issues such as the meaning of life, as well as humanity's relationship with God, and with each other (Roxberg et al., 2011). Owing to the complexity of the issues raised in these writings, answers are not as clear as they are in the proverbial wisdom literature, and humans, therefore, are left to speculate on what exactly a certain situation, statement or incident means.

The main theme in the book of Job, for instance, is why the innocent suffer if there indeed is a God. In chapters 3-31, we see three of Job's friends speculate about what exactly could have led Job to experience such suffering if he indeed was a faithful servant. The three give different views as to why exactly God would have chosen to punish Job; however, at the end of it all, there is no clear answer to the same.

Eliphaz, for instance, speculates that God does not punish the innocent, and that hence, Job is being punished because he is wicked (Burnight, 2014). Another advisor, Elihu, suggests in chapter 37:14 that God may in fact be punishing Job to strengthen his faith. These differing views portray the complexity of the issues brought out in the book, particularly in regard to the character of God, and how He relates with humanity. At the end of it, the issues raised remain subjects of speculation as no clear answer to the same is given.

Main Features The Use of Dialogue: the author incorporates lengthy dialogues between Job and his friends in chapters 3 to 31. Each friend gives a speech, and then Job responds to the same. Generally, these dialogues are focused on convincing Job that God does not pervert justice -- His merciful character would not allow the innocent to suffer, and hence, Job was being punished because he was sinful and deserved such punishment.

These dialogues serve two main purposes in this text -- first, they give the book its speculative wisdom nature because Job and his friends are in the end unable to agree on God's character and the reason for Job's punishment (Roxberg et al., 2011). Additionally, these dialogues serve to provide ample platforms for discussing the issue of theodicy and the relationship between God's compassionate nature and the unjust world (Roxberg et al., 2011). Intercessions: intercessions are a common feature of the book of Job.

In 1:5, Job is seen to intercede on behalf of his family, and again in 42:8, he intercedes on behalf of his friends (Vall, 2007). These passages support the ideology that humans have a relationship with each other -- they share the life of Christ and belong to the same family. Job receives restoration partly because of his ability to pray for others (Vall, 2007). In this regard, the book links up with other books such as 1st Corinthians 12 in advocating for intercessions as one way to successful Christian living and God's restoration.

The Theme of Theodicy Job is seen to encounter large-scale suffering characterized by the loss of his children and livestock, and the affliction of painful sores throughout his body. This is despite God declaring him upright and blameless in chapter 1 verse 113. The nagging question then becomes, 'if Job is righteous, why is he suffering?' In other words, why do the righteous suffer? The book of Job presents a number of viable answers to this question.

In Chapter 23 verse 10, Job mentions that God knows the way he (Job) takes punishment -- in his words, "when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (23:10). In this passage, Job, although not directly attesting to it, acknowledges that his suffering is a test from God. From Job's words, therefore, one can rightly conclude that God brings suffering upon the righteous, not to punish them, but to test their faith and trust in Him.

In chapter 2 verse 6, we see God giving Job away to Satan to be tested, despite the fact that he has been God-fearing and submissive. From this perspective, therefore, one can rightly argue that the righteous suffer because.