BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › Job 6

Job 6

BSB
‹ Chapter 5 Job — All Chapters Chapter 7 ›

1 Then Job replied: 2 “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales. 3 For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5 Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder? 6 Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg ? 7 My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me. 8 If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope: 9 that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off! 10 It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. 11 What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? 12 Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze? 13 Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me? 14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15 But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow, 16 darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, 17 but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat. 18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish. 19 The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. 20 They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment. 21 For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid. 22 Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth; 23 deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’? 24 Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred. 25 How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? 26 Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair? 27 You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend. 28 But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face? 29 Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake. 30 Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?

‹ Chapter 5 Job — All Chapters Chapter 7 ›

Study Notes — Job 6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

In Job 6, Job responds to Eliphaz's speech, defending his integrity and expressing his emotional pain. Job feels that his friends do not understand his suffering and are not providing the comfort he needs. He describes the bitterness of his soul and the pain of his body, feeling like he is being tormented by God. Job longs for death as an escape from his suffering and wishes that God would finish what He has started. He also desires for his friends to show him kindness and empathy, rather than judging him. Throughout the chapter, Job's words reveal his trust in God and his desire to understand the reasons behind his afflictions, as seen in Job 6:8-10 and Job 6:24.

Context for the Chapter

Job 6 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Job, which explores the themes of suffering, faith, and redemption. The chapter is a response to Eliphaz's speech in Job 4-5 and sets the stage for the rest of the book, where Job's friends continue to accuse and advise him. The chapter also foreshadows the New Testament concept of suffering and trust in God, as seen in Psalm 22:1 and Hebrews 12:3.

Heart Application

As we read Job 6, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God, even in the midst of great suffering. We can apply this to our own lives by committing to faith and seeking comfort in God's presence, rather than turning to other sources of comfort. This can be seen in Job 6:10, where Job finds comfort in his trust in God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Job 6 is about Job's response to his friend Eliphaz, where he defends his integrity and expresses his emotional pain. Job trusts in God and commits to faith, despite his suffering, as seen in Job 6:10. He longs for comfort and relief, but feels that his friends are not providing it. This chapter teaches us about the importance of trusting in God, even in hard times, and seeking comfort in His presence.

Voices from the Church

“Job's faith was not a mere profession, but a living, burning reality that sustained him in the midst of his troubles.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Job's words are a testament to the power of faith, which can sustain us even in the darkest of times.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Job's Lament (6:1-7) — Job describes the bitterness of his soul and the pain of his body, feeling like he is being tormented by God.
  2. Job's Desire for Death (6:8-10) — Job longs for death as an escape from his suffering and wishes that God would finish what He has started.
  3. Job's Plea for Comfort (6:11-14) — Job desires for his friends to show him kindness and empathy, rather than judging him.
  4. Job's Defense of His Integrity (6:24-30) — Job defends his integrity and commitment to faith, despite his suffering.
  5. Job's Conclusion (6:29-30) — Job summarizes his argument and reiterates his commitment to faith and integrity.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty, as Job acknowledges that God is in control of his suffering, as seen in Job 6:4 and Job 6:9.
The Importance of Faith
Job's trust in God, despite his suffering, is a testament to the importance of faith in our lives, as seen in Job 6:10 and Job 6:24.
The Nature of Suffering
This chapter helps us understand the nature of suffering and how it can be used to refine our faith, as seen in Job 6:1-7 and Job 6:14.
The Value of Integrity
Job's defense of his integrity highlights the importance of living a life of integrity and commitment to faith, as seen in Job 6:24-30.

Lessons from Job 6

  1. The Importance of Trusting in God — This chapter teaches us about the importance of trusting in God, even in the midst of great suffering, as seen in Job 6:10.
  2. The Value of Integrity — Job's defense of his integrity highlights the importance of living a life of commitment to faith, as seen in Job 6:24-30.
  3. The Need for Empathy and Kindness — Job's friends should have shown him kindness and empathy, rather than judging him, as seen in Job 6:14.
  4. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty, as Job acknowledges that God is in control of his suffering, as seen in Job 6:4 and Job 6:9.
  5. The Refining Power of Suffering — This chapter helps us understand the nature of suffering and how it can be used to refine our faith, as seen in Job 6:1-7 and Job 6:14.

Themes from Job 6

  1. Suffering and Faith — This chapter explores the relationship between suffering and faith, as Job trusts in God despite his pain, as seen in Job 6:10.
  2. Integrity and Commitment — Job's defense of his integrity highlights the importance of living a life of commitment to faith, as seen in Job 6:24-30.
  3. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty, as Job acknowledges that God is in control of his suffering, as seen in Job 6:4 and Job 6:9.
  4. The Importance of Empathy — Job's friends should have shown him kindness and empathy, rather than judging him, as seen in Job 6:14.
  5. The Refining Power of Suffering — This chapter helps us understand the nature of suffering and how it can be used to refine our faith, as seen in Job 6:1-7 and Job 6:14.

Questions for Meditation

  1. How do you respond to suffering and hardship in your life?
  2. What does it mean to trust in God, and how can you apply this to your life?
  3. How can you show kindness and empathy to those who are suffering, like Job's friends should have done?
  4. What does Job's defense of his integrity teach us about the importance of living a life of faith and integrity?
  5. How can you balance the desire for comfort and relief with the need to trust in God's sovereignty?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Job's Lament (6:1-7)

6:1 Job begins by expressing his emotional pain and sorrow, feeling like he is being tormented by God.
6:2 Job describes the weight of his suffering, feeling like he is being crushed by God's hand.
6:3 Job wishes that his words could be weighed, so that others could understand the depth of his sorrow.
6:4 Job feels like he is being tormented by God, with arrows piercing his spirit.
6:5 Job compares his suffering to the braying of a donkey, which cannot be satisfied.
6:6 Job feels like his suffering is pointless, like food without salt.
6:7 Job's appetite is gone, and he is repulsed by the thought of food.

2. Job's Desire for Death (6:8-10)

6:8 Job longs for death as an escape from his suffering.
6:9 Job wishes that God would finish what He has started, and grant him death.
6:10 Job finds comfort in the fact that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.

3. Job's Plea for Comfort (6:11-14)

6:11 Job asks what strength he has to endure his suffering.
6:12 Job feels like he is being crushed by God's hand, and that his strength is failing.
6:13 Job feels like he has no comfort, and that his friends are not providing the support he needs.
6:14 Job desires for his friends to show him kindness and empathy, rather than judging him.

4. Job's Defense of His Integrity (6:24-30)

6:24 Job asks his friends to teach him, and show him where he has gone wrong.
6:25 Job feels like his friends' words are harsh, and that they are not providing the comfort he needs.
6:26 Job asks his friends to consider his words, and to show him kindness and empathy.
6:27 Job feels like his friends are willing to cast lots over the fatherless, and to barter away their friends.
6:28 Job asks his friends to look at him, and to consider his words.
6:29 Job defends his integrity, and asks his friends to show him where he has gone wrong.
6:30 Job asks his friends to consider his words, and to show him kindness and empathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Job 6?

The main theme of Job 6 is Job's response to Eliphaz's accusations and advice, where he defends his integrity and expresses his emotional pain, as seen in Job 6:1-30.

Why does Job desire death in Job 6:8-10?

Job desires death as an escape from his suffering, and feels like God is tormenting him, as seen in Job 6:8-10.

What does Job mean by 'I have not denied the words of the Holy One' in Job 6:10?

Job means that he has not denied his faith in God, despite his suffering, and finds comfort in this fact, as seen in Job 6:10.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Job 6:4 → Psalm 38:2 Both Job and the psalmist describe the pain of their suffering, feeling like they are being tormented by God.
2 Job 6:8 → Revelation 6:16 Both Job and the apostle John describe the desire for death as an escape from suffering, as seen in Job 6:8 and Revelation 6:16.
3 Job 6:10 → Hebrews 12:3 Both Job and the author of Hebrews describe the importance of trusting in God, despite suffering, as seen in Job 6:10 and Hebrews 12:3.
4 Job 6:14 → Proverbs 17:17 Both Job and the author of Proverbs describe the importance of showing kindness and empathy to those who are suffering, as seen in Job 6:14 and Proverbs 17:17.
5 Job 6:24 → Psalm 51:4 Both Job and the psalmist describe the importance of defending one's integrity, as seen in Job 6:24 and Psalm 51:4.
6 Job 6:29 → 1 Peter 3:16 Both Job and the apostle Peter describe the importance of defending one's faith, as seen in Job 6:29 and 1 Peter 3:16.
7 Job 6:1 → Isaiah 53:3 Both Job and the prophet Isaiah describe the emotional pain and sorrow of suffering, as seen in Job 6:1 and Isaiah 53:3.
8 Job 6:9 → Matthew 27:46 Both Job and Jesus describe the feeling of being abandoned by God, as seen in Job 6:9 and Matthew 27:46.
9 Job 6:10 → Romans 8:18 Both Job and the apostle Paul describe the importance of trusting in God, despite suffering, as seen in Job 6:10 and Romans 8:18.
10 Job 6:14 → Galatians 6:2 Both Job and the apostle Paul describe the importance of showing kindness and empathy to those who are suffering, as seen in Job 6:14 and Galatians 6:2.

Sermons on Job 6

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Through the Bible - Job - Part 2 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, Eliphaz begins by sharing a secret truth that was whispered to him in a vision. He emphasizes the fear and awe he experienced in the presence of God. Eliphaz critic
W.F. Anderson Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends.
R. Stanley What to Speak When You Suffer by R. Stanley R. Stanley preaches on the importance of being slow to speak, emphasizing that patience in words is the crown of a perfect life. He highlights how our troubles often stem from care
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Job by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of Job, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against temptation during times of festivity and the necessity of prayer and intercession for loved
St. John Chrysostom Philippians 2:12-16 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility and diligence in following Go
Anton Bosch Get Understanding by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding above material possessions, highlighting how often we prioritize acquiring things over gaining true unders
J.C. Philpot The Heavenly Birth and Its Earthly Counterfeits by J.C. Philpot Joseph Philpot preaches about the rejection of Christ by His own people due to hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and worldliness, despite their outward religious practices. He emphasi
St. John Chrysostom Three Homilies on the Devil - Part 2 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the story of Adam and Job, highlighting the contrast between their responses to temptation and suffering. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance,
F.B. Meyer As a Brook, as the Channel of Brooks by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on Job's lament regarding his friends who, instead of providing comfort, sought to uncover hidden sins as the cause of his suffering. He compares their failure
John Gill The Dejected Believer's Soliloquy. a Discourse Occasioned by the Decease of Mrs. Ann Button. by John Gill John Gill preaches on the theme of the dejected believer's struggle with despair, drawing from Psalm 40:11. He reflects on the Psalmist's longing for God's presence amidst trials a

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Job 6

In Job 6, Job responds to Eliphaz's speech, defending his integrity and expressing his emotional pain. Job's words reveal his trust in God and his commitment to faith, despite his suffering. This chapter teaches us about the importance of trusting in God, even in the midst of great suffering, and the value of living a life of integrity and commitment to faith. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Job's faith was not a mere profession, but a living, burning reality that sustained him in the midst of his troubles.' We can apply this to our own lives by committing to faith and seeking comfort in God's presence, rather than turning to other sources of comfort. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Job's Emotional Pain

Job's words reveal the depth of his emotional pain and sorrow, as he describes the bitterness of his soul and the pain of his body. This can be seen in Job 6:4-7 and Job 6:14.

Job's Trust in God

Despite his suffering, Job trusts in God and commits to faith, as seen in Job 6:10 and Job 6:24. This trust is a testament to Job's integrity and character.

Job's Desire for Comfort

Job longs for comfort and relief from his suffering, but feels that his friends are not providing it, as seen in Job 6:10 and Job 6:14.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate