Job’s experience is so beautifully set out in written form that the account is considered to be a literary masterpiece. More than that, though, it answers such questions as: Why do good people suffer? Why does Jehovah permit wickedness to exist? Can imperfect humans maintain their integrity to God? As a part of the inspired Word of God, the message of the book of Job is alive and exerts power even today.​—Hebrews 4:12.

Lessons for Us:

1:8-11; 2:3-5. As shown in Job’s case, along with proper action and speech, integrity calls for the right motive for serving Jehovah.

1:21, 22. By remaining loyal to Jehovah under favorable as well as unfavorable circumstances, we can prove Satan a liar.​—Proverbs 27:11.

2:9, 10. Like Job, we should remain firm in faith even if family members do not value our spiritual pursuits or pressure us to compromise or give up our faith.

2:13. Job’s companions had nothing comforting to say about God and his promises because they lacked spirituality.

Lessons for Us:

4:7, 8; 8:5, 6; 11:13-15. We must not quickly assume that a person in distress is reaping what he has sown and does not have God’s approval.

4:18, 19; 22:2, 3. Our counsel should be based on God’s Word, not on personal opinion.​—2 Timothy 3:16.

10:1. Bitterness blinded Job, so that he did not consider other possible reasons for his suffering. We must not become bitter when undergoing suffering, especially since we have a clear understanding of the issues involved.

14:7, 13-15; 19:25; 33:24. During any test that Satan may thrust upon us, the resurrection hope can sustain us.

16:5; 19:2. Our words should encourage and strengthen others, not irritate them.​—Proverbs 18:21.

22:5-7. Counsel given on the basis of accusations that lack solid evidence is valueless and damaging.

27:2; 30:20, 21. Maintaining integrity does not require perfection. Job wrongly criticized God.

27:5. Only Job could take away his own integrity because integrity is dependent upon one’s love for God. We should therefore cultivate strong love for Jehovah.

28:1-28. Man knows where earth’s treasures are. As he searches for them, his ingenuity takes him to underground pathways that no farsighted bird of prey can see. Godly wisdom, though, comes from fearing Jehovah.

29:12-15. We should willingly extend loving-kindness to those in need.

31:1, 9-28. Job set an example for us in that he avoided flirting, adultery, unfair and unmerciful treatment of others, materialism, and idolatry.

Lessons for Us:

32:8, 9. Wisdom does not come with age alone. It requires understanding of God’s Word and the guidance of his spirit.

34:36. Integrity is proved by our being ‘tested to the limit’ in some way.

35:2. Elihu listened carefully and pinpointed the real issue before speaking. (Job 10:7; 16:7; 34:5) Prior to giving counsel, Christian elders must carefully listen, get the facts, and clearly understand the pertinent issues.​—Proverbs 18:13.

37:14; 38:1–39:30. Reflecting upon Jehovah’s wonderful works​—expressions of his power and wisdom—​humbles us and helps us to see that the vindication of his sovereignty is more important than any of our personal interests.​—Matthew 6:9, 10.

40:1-4. When we feel inclined to complain against the Almighty, we should ‘put our hand over our mouth.’

40:15–41:34. What power Behemoth (the hippopotamus) and Leviathan (the crocodile) have! To endure in God’s service, we too need strength from the Maker of these powerful beasts, who imparts power to us.​—Philippians 4:13.

42:1-6. Hearing Jehovah’s word and being reminded of the manifestation of his power helped Job to “behold God,” or see the truth about him. (Job 19:26) This adjusted his thinking. When corrected Scripturally, we should be eager to acknowledge our error and make adjustments.

Cultivate “the Endurance of Job”

The book of Job clearly shows that God is not responsible for human suffering. Satan is. God’s permission of wickedness on earth affords us an opportunity to give a personal answer as to where we stand on the issues of Jehovah’s sovereignty and our integrity.

Like Job, all those who love Jehovah will be tested. The account of Job gives us confidence that we can endure. It reminds us that our problems will not last forever. “You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave,” says James 5:11. Jehovah rewarded Job for being an integrity keeper. (Job 42:10-17) What a grand hope is set before us​—everlasting life in Paradise on earth! Like Job, let us therefore be determined to maintain our integrity.​—Hebrews 11:6.