1. Job curses the day of his birth (3:1-26)

Job wanted peace. His parents rejoiced at his birth, but he wished he had been stillborn. He thought of death as a great release from his pain. Kings and counselors are all alike in death. Death brings release to the captive and freedom to the slave. He longs for death--he does not realize that death is not the end. What he feared most happened to him. But, in spite of these feelings, he did not attempt to take his own life. He asks some fundamental questions about suffering. Why does God let those in misery continue to live? He does not have the answer, but he acknowledges God's sovereignty.

2. Eliphaz' vision (4:1-21)

Job's friend Eliphaz reminds Job that he had once given advice and counsel to many people, but now is the time for him to listen to advice. Eliphaz told him of a terrifying vision. The ghost said, 'Can a mortal be more righteous than God?' Eliphaz implies that Job has some secret sin that is the cause of his trouble. Eliphaz once envied Job; now he feels superior.

Application: Lord, when hard things come, help me not to worry about why. Just help me to trust you.
One Word: Trust in God; don't despair