Chapter Summary

Job's answer to Eliphaz. His appeal for pity.

Discussion Questions for Job, Chapter 6

1. In chapter 6, Job makes his first response to Eliphaz and his friends regarding his circumstances. What response does he give in verses 1-7? Does Job seem to accept Eliphaz's words? Why or why not? What can you learn from this encounter between Job and Eliphaz?
2. Job makes an exclamation in verses 2-3: "Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash." (ESV). What is it that Job is admitting to in these verses? Is he justified in his lament? Why or why not? How does he measure the burden that he feels?
3. Read Psalm 88:13-18 and then consider Job's words in Job 6:4. How does Job view the source of his suffering? What about you? Can you recall a time when you have been faced with suffering? What was your experience and how did you respond?
4. Job makes an appeal to God in verses 8-10. What is his request? What does his request acknowledge about God? How can his words be a model for us?
5. In verse 10, Job points to his confidence that he is not guilty of unrepented sin, as Eliphaz accuses him of. What specifically does he say? Based on what you know from the previous chapters of Job, are his words true? How is God at work in this situation?
6. Job rebukes his friends in verses 14-21, accusing them of forsaking the fear of the Almighty and then he gives an illustration of how his friends have disappointed him like a dried-up pool of water in the desert. Notice how he refers to them in verses 14-15; What does he call them in these verses? Had his friends really withheld kindness from him? How would you respond to Job if you were in this situation? What words or counsel would you offer him?
7. In verses 24-30, Job turns to his friends asking for them to help him to see how he has sinned. Read verse 24 again. What specific words does Job use? How does his request show humility? How can we express humility when confronting others?
8. Job continues to express his frustration with his friends counsel in verses 25-27. What does he accuse them of in these verses? Do you believe that Job is right in what he says to them here? Why or why not?
9. Read verses 28-30. How does Job appeal to his friends in these verses? Have you ever felt disappointment with how you have been treated by family, friends or neighbors? How did you respond in such a situation? What are the main characteristics of such a request for help?
10. Throughout this chapter, Job has maintained that he is not guilty of some vile, heinous sin deserving of such punishment as what he has received from God. His final appeal to his friends in verses 24, 28-30 are a plea for help. What can we learn from Job's example in these verses?

Key Words/Phrase

Pity, vv. 14, 28.

Characters

God, Eliphaz, Job.

Strong Verse(s)

14, 24.