Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground;
Affliction does not come forth by itself out of the dust, and trouble does not spring by chance out of the ground as growth springs from the soil. Sorrow comes under God, who permits trials and afflictions and bereavement for people's good and profit. He does not willingly afflict or grieve people. His purpose in permitting them is that sufferers might be partakers of His holiness.
He has a purpose in every affliction, using painful pruning to cut away what hinders spiritual fruitfulness so that it may yield righteousness and a more fruitful life. Trials destroy idols and loosen attachment to earthly things, while blighting earthly joys to turn eyes to heaven and draw the heart closer to God. Received in faith, the bitter, hard trial proves a blessing that removes flaws of character to prepare people for a place in heaven. It leads sufferers to seek comfort in Jesus, even those who otherwise would not have known Him.
Affliction does not come forth by itself out of the dust, and trouble does not spring by chance out of the ground as growth springs from the soil. Sorrow comes under God, who permits trials and afflictions and bereavement for people's good and profit. He does not willingly afflict or grieve people. His purpose in permitting them is that sufferers might be partakers of His holiness.
He has a purpose in every affliction, using painful pruning to cut away what hinders spiritual fruitfulness so that it may yield righteousness and a more fruitful life. Trials destroy idols and loosen attachment to earthly things, while blighting earthly joys to turn eyes to heaven and draw the heart closer to God. Received in faith, the bitter, hard trial proves a blessing that removes flaws of character to prepare people for a place in heaven. It leads sufferers to seek comfort in Jesus, even those who otherwise would not have known Him.