Satan and the Lord here discuss Job again. God’s continues to speak highly of Job (v3). There is sadness as God mentions what has happened to Job.

Satan again accuses Job of having just conditional commitment to the Lord (v4-5) Satan is given permission to harm Job (v6), but a limit is put on what he can do. As we consider the problem of evil in the world, we need to remember that God constantly limits what evil can do.

Satan attacks Job’s body and he becomes a very sorry sight (v7-8). His miserable life has now become so much worse.

Job’s wife adds to his suffering (v9). When he needs support she is encouraging him to turn from God. Job though refuses to listen to his wife’s advice and remains amazingly strong in his faith (v10). We need to pray for grace to have such faith in days of trouble.

Job now has three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar who come to show sympathy (v11). Job was unrecognisable to them because of what he has gone through (v12). They show kindness as they sit silently for seven days with Job (v13). Often the best thing we can do for those who are suffering is just to be there for them.