Catholic Commentary on Job 23

"When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)

Job Longs for God

Job responds not to Eliphaz but to God directly: even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning. If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling. I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. But if I go east he is not there; west, I do not find him; north, I do not see him; south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. Yet he stands alone and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. Yet I am not silenced by the darkness.

The Catechism identifies Job's declaration that he will come forth as gold from the test as the model of the refined faith that emerges from genuine suffering - the gold metaphor of 1 Peter 1:7 finds its origin here (CCC 2112).

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job is still in the crucible and already declares confidence in what the fire will produce. The faith that names the gold before it sees it is the faith that endures the fire. Name what you will be when this test is over. Then endure.

Prayer

Lord God, when you have tested us we will come forth as gold. Hold us in the crucible only as long as the gold requires. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

23
Job Longs for God
1 Then Job answered:
 
2 “Even today my complaint is bitter.
His hand is heavy despite my groaning.
3 If only I knew where to find Him,
so that I could go to His seat.
4 I would plead my case before Him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would learn how He would answer,
and consider what He would say.
6 Would He contend with me in His great power?
No, He would certainly take note of me.
7 Then an upright man could reason with Him,
and I would be delivered forever from my Judge.
 
8 If I go east, He is not there,
and if I go west, I cannot find Him.
9 When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him;
when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him.
10 Yet He knows the way I have taken;
when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 My feet have followed in His tracks;
I have kept His way without turning aside.
12 I have not departed from the command of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth
more than my daily bread.
 
13 But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him?
He does what He desires.
14 For He carries out His decree against me,
and He has many such plans.
15 Therefore I am terrified in His presence;
when I consider this, I fear Him.
16 God has made my heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me.
17 Yet I am not silenced by the darkness,
by the thick darkness that covers my face.

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