Job 1:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet Job did not speak in such a manner; his thoughts were far removed from blasphemy, and his words were free from wickedness. He did not attribute madness to God, which means he did not view his circumstances as unjust; he did not utter the common sentiment that events occur by mere chance but instead acknowledged that whatever transpired was by divine will. Thus, during our own trials, we should not seek comfort but instead engage in combat against challenges, particularly during sickness, as the soul grapples with various afflictions, temptations, and the urge to voice something unholy. It is essential in such moments to protect ourselves by surrounding ourselves with patience and gratitude, for these virtues serve as powerful defenses against the enemy, leading to ultimate victory and reward. Blessed Job vividly demonstrated purity and glory, maintaining an unwavering spirit amidst his trials, tribulations, and poverty, and he offered God words of thanksgiving, making this spiritual offering with the declaration, “The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away.” In our times of testing, may we, too, remember to glorify God amidst adversities and hardships.

Let us also consider the insights from history regarding him. "In all this Job did not sin, nor did he speak anything improper concerning God." This testimony draws forth the admiration of angels and frustrates the devil in his schemes. “In all these things I have not sinned.” This divine acknowledgment throughout the Church is like a treasured balm that brings joy to those who hear it. What a precious vessel, placed in a singular spot in Arabia, spreading the sweet aroma of peace! Even when battered by the many assaults of the devil, and despite the wounds that emanated foulness, this vessel never lost its peace. The devil exerted great effort to ruin this vessel and extinguish the fragrance of holiness, yet it persisted, unblemished by the suffering inflicted upon it. We might fittingly say to him, “Your name is like spilled ointment" (Song 1:2). Therefore, it is important to unveil the athlete as he competes, for in witnessing this extraordinary depiction, we are encouraged by the reality that God, wishing to demonstrate to the enemy that there are righteous individuals on earth, allowed this display to unfold. Oh, you who have strayed! Is it not your pride, after deceiving Adam and leading him out of paradise? Here stands a man who lives beyond the decrees of written law and fulfills the innate laws of his heart. Utilize all your cunning and temptations, if you can, to shake this noble soul. Behold, you managed to expel the first humans from paradise; now try to unseat this valiant one from his place of despair. If it pleases you, reflect on the narrative from the beginning. O noble spirit, exalted beyond even angelic commendation! Why? Because “in all these things Job did not sin, nor utter anything unreasonable of God,” but instead, offered full and earnest thanks to God with the words, “Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21), now and always, and forever. Amen.

Similarly, the blessed Job faced all that he endured by God’s allowance, but it was not merely his endurance that earned him crowns; it was his courageous stance against calamities that evokes our admiration. We do not marvel at him simply because the devil stripped him of all, but because Job "in all these things did not sin with his lips.” Having reflected on Job, I aimed to share his prolonged sorrows and immense sufferings. However, to ensure brevity, I will now turn to Isaac. If you wish to understand fully the trials that befell Job, take his account in hand and delve into the depths of his sufferings; within them, you will discover great encouragement for your own trials. Though this righteous man excelled beyond us, he faced struggles of far greater magnitude, as the adversary rose against him with intense ferocity.

Poverty can be a profound blessing for those who carry it wisely; it is a treasure that cannot be taken, a sturdy foundation, and a lasting asset. But some say the poor are oppressed? Yet, the rich are subjected to even graver slanders. While the poor may be scorned and mistreated, the affluent are often the target of envy. Surmounting the challenges faced by a poor individual can prove more difficult than for a wealthy one; the latter finds himself ensnared by countless temptations and pressures from all directions, becoming a servant to many due to his need for a multitude of people. Conversely, a wise poor individual can withstand the devil's schemes. Job, who was strong to begin with, became even more formidable after losing everything, achieving a glorious triumph over Satan.

The compassionate God, who desires not the death of the sinner, demonstrates through the devil's admission that He remains open to the repentance of even the initial agent of sin. This encounter serves as a reminder of the adversary's former glory and relationship with his Creator, intended to instill a sense of remorse within him. More importantly, it strips him of any rationale for his obstinacy: the Lord exhausts all means for salvation while he persistently leads others astray and opposes God.