Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?
Job 13 belongs to Job's reply to the accusations of his three friends about his afflictions, in which he appeals to God, falling within their debate with him. The first question asks whether it is good to be searched out by God, showing that his scrutiny is no trivial matter, and it warns the friends that his searching judgment would expose them and asks whether they could withstand that scrutiny. On another understanding, the first question asks whether it would be right for God to expose Job himself to scrutiny. On one understanding, the second question asks whether they mock God as one person mocks another. On another understanding, the second question asks whether the friends are mocking Job as one person mockingly treats another.
It is wrong to treat Job's suffering as proof of sin. It is wrong to mock or condemn him as one person might mock another. People are prone to misjudge others in this way. The friends' confident judgment of Job was presumptuous. God, and not their limited wisdom, could see the truth of his character and circumstances.
Job 13 belongs to Job's reply to the accusations of his three friends about his afflictions, in which he appeals to God, falling within their debate with him. The first question asks whether it is good to be searched out by God, showing that his scrutiny is no trivial matter, and it warns the friends that his searching judgment would expose them and asks whether they could withstand that scrutiny. On another understanding, the first question asks whether it would be right for God to expose Job himself to scrutiny. On one understanding, the second question asks whether they mock God as one person mocks another. On another understanding, the second question asks whether the friends are mocking Job as one person mockingly treats another.
It is wrong to treat Job's suffering as proof of sin. It is wrong to mock or condemn him as one person might mock another. People are prone to misjudge others in this way. The friends' confident judgment of Job was presumptuous. God, and not their limited wisdom, could see the truth of his character and circumstances.