“The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil.” -C.S. Lewis

Job’s wife would never have made it as a Sunday School teacher or church pianist. She told Job, “Curse God and die.” -Job 2:9 

This was Job’s wife’s advice to him after Satan’s second assault.  She might have been a little more understanding and encouraged him, saying, “I’ll stick with you,” or “Worship God with all your heart.” 

Throughout history, Mrs. Job has been interpreted in different ways. Some have seen her as a negative influence, while others have sympathized with her pain and struggles. She is highly regarded in some Christian and Jewish traditions, being viewed as a righteous woman who stood by her husband even in the midst of tragedy. The phrase “curse God and die” may have been a common expression of extreme despair in that time and culture.  Mrs. Job opens the possibility of suspending belief, of speaking against God. Job’s initial response to his wife’s suggestion is harsh: “You talk like foolish woman. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” (2:10)

She too, was suffering from significant loss and reasoned that if living faithfully meant these circumstances, it was better to die. We do not know the exact outcome of Mrs. Job, but we do know Job’s faithfulness responding to the Lord: 

“I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” -Job 42:6 

Her example challenges us to confront our own doubts without stalling trust in God.  Job’s wife may not have taught Sunday school, but she teaches us the importance of standing firm in adversity and relying on God.

Curse wavering faith! 

Prayer: 

Almighty God, defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin or run into cynicism. May we do what is righteous in your sight. 

 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”

Amen -Job 19:25