Chapter Summary

Job tells his misery and despair.

Discussion Questions for Job, Chapter 3

1. In this chapter, Job is lamenting the day of his birth. Would you say that he is right or wrong in saying these kinds of things? Why do you say that?
2. What is the context of Job's remarks in chapter 3? Who is he talking to? Is he addressing his questions to God, to his friends, or someone else? (Consider the end of chapter 2, verses 11-13 for guidance.) Can you describe a time when you were faced with overwhelming sorrow? How were you able to work through your circumstances?
3. Verse 1 begins with the words, "After this..." which refers back to Job 2:11-13 (ESV). Why do you think that Job's first words spoken to his friends in response to his circumstances were cursing the day of his birth? What do you think you would say if you were in Job's situation?
4. In verse 3, Job says, "Let the day perish on which I was born..." (ESV). In verses 3-9, he makes similar statements beginning with "Let...". What do you notice about the statements that Job makes in each of these verses? What is important about what Job says in these verses? Why do you say that?
5. Job mentions God in verses 4 and 23. What does he say in these verses? How do you think Job views God based on what he says in these verses?
6. In this chapter, there are two sequences of "why" questions that Job poses. The first set of "why" questions is found in verses 11-19. What do Job's questions in these verses tell you about his circumstances? Have you ever asked God 'why' something has or hasn't happened to you? What did you learn through this experience?
7. Job's second set of "why" questions is found in verses 20-26. What can you identify as the theme of his questions in these verses? What can we learn from Job's questions in these verses?
8. Why does God allow Job to be tested as he is? Would you be inclined to question God when you are going through trials and adversities? Is it sinful to question God? Why or why not?
9. As you read this chapter, you can hear Job's laments through a series of questions. What can you learn about suffering from this chapter? How could you apply the content of this chapter in your own life?
10. What can we learn from Job's laments in this chapter? If you could imagine yourself in Job's situation, what kinds of questions would you be asking? How do you cope with trials and difficulties in life?

Key Words/Phrase

Curse, v. 1.

Characters

God, Job.

Strong Verse(s)