Life lessons from the Book of Job. Before studying this book of poetry that may be the oldest book written in the bible, it’s important to know a few things. We’re not sure who wrote it, we don’t exactly know what Job’s name means, and there’s no way to verify if the events in it even happened. So, what can 42 chapters, 1,070 verses and 10,102 words teach us about Jesus Christ? Now we begin our week-long study of Job and discuss life lessons that are contained in what we believe to be an inspired and poetic book.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
Job 13:15 (Yet I will trust)
Job 19:23-27 (I know that my redeemer lives)
Job 3:11 (Job laments his existence)
Study Helps:
Questions can coexist with faith. And regardless of what happens in the meantime, we can say of our Lord, “Yet will I trust in him” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, “Yet Will I Trust in Him”)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
D&C 121:9-10 (Things aren’t as bad as Job)
Ezekiel 14:14 (Prophets referencing Job)
James 5:11 (Prophets referencing Job)
1 Corinthians 3:19 (Wise in their craftiness)
CR: Job 5:13
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Job 1:22 (Job sinned not)
Job 1:2-3 (Job was a successful man)
Job 1:1,8 (Job was perfect)
Genesis 17:1 (Walk before God with integrity)
Translations:
Perfect - tam = whole or complete, integrity (Hebrew)
Upright - yashar = to be straight, right, pleasing, or stretched (Hebrew)
Feared - yare = to revere or have honor (Hebrew)
Eschewed evil - sur = to turn away/put away, repel, depart (Hebrew)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
Job 38:1-7 (God’s grandeur)
1 Peter 2:6 (Christ is the cornerstone)
Matthew 11:28-30 (Christ gives rest)
Job 42:1-6 (God can do all things)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Job 27:2-5 (Job still has his integrity)
Words of the General Authorities:
Brothers and sisters, as we repent of our sins and come boldly to the “throne of grace,” leaving before Him there our alms and our heartfelt supplications, we will find mercy and compassion and forgiveness at the benevolent hands of our Eternal Father and His obedient, perfectly pure Son. Then, with Job and all the refined faithful, we will behold a world “too wonderful” to understand.
God hears every prayer we offer and responds to each of them according to the path He has outlined for our perfection. I recognize that at roughly the same time so many were praying for the restoration of my health, an equal number—including me—were praying for the restoration of my wife’s health. I testify that both of those prayers were heard and answered by a divinely compassionate Heavenly Father, even if the prayers for Pat were not answered the way I asked. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Motions of a Hidden Fire”, April 2024 General Conference)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
Job 23:8-10 (God is hidden, but will come forth)
D&C 90:24 (All things for your good)
D&C 98:3 (All things you are afflicted with)
D&C 121:7-8 (A small moment of trial)
D&C 122:7-9 (God shall be with you forever)
Words of the General Authorities:
Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. (Richard G. Scott, “Trust in the Lord”, October 1995 General Conference)
God is at the helm. Never doubt it. When we are confronted with opposition, He will open the way when there appears to be no way. Let not any voices of discontent disturb you. Let not the critics worry you. He who is our Savior slumbers not nor sleeps as He watches over this His kingdom. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “God Is at the Helm”, April 1994 General Conference)
Read the transcript here.