Watchtower Study, “Article 48”, Week of February 2-8, 2026, How the Book of Job Helps Us When We Are Suffering, Answers.

Watchtower Study, “Article 48”, February 2-8, 2026, How the Book of Job Helps Us When We Are Suffering, Answers.

“It is clear that God does not act with evil” (JOB 34:12).

1, 2. What are some reasons to read the book of Job?

The book of Job is invaluable because it helps us understand very profound matters from Jehovah's point of view. Although it was written some 3,500 years ago, it remains highly relevant today.

First, it clearly explains the important issue of the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. It also gives us a better understanding of his qualities, such as love, justice, wisdom, and power. In fact, he is called “the Almighty” more times than in any other Bible book.

Furthermore, the story of Job answers one of life's most difficult questions: Why does God allow suffering? All of this strengthens our faith and helps us to trust Jehovah more, even when we go through trials.

3. What are some benefits of studying the book of Job?

Studying the book of Job is like climbing a mountain and seeing our problems from a higher perspective: Jehovah's. This account helps us not to focus solely on our pain, but to understand the bigger picture. It teaches us why suffering exists, who is really behind it, and what Jehovah values ​​in his servants.

Furthermore, it shows us that faithful people have also suffered greatly, but have been able to endure thanks to their relationship with God. The book of Job strengthens us spiritually, helps us maintain our faith, and equips us to comfort others. Undoubtedly, it is a story that benefits us both personally and in our ministry.

GOD ALLOWS JOB TO SUFFER

4. What was the difference between Job and some of the Israelites who were in Egypt?

Job lived during the time when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, but unlike some of them, he remained completely faithful to Jehovah. While many Israelites began to adopt idolatrous practices, Job rejected idolatry and served Jehovah with integrity.

Jehovah himself said that there was no one like Job on earth. Moreover, Job was a highly respected and prosperous man, which enraged Satan, who saw someone so influential faithfully serving God. His example demonstrates that it is possible to remain loyal, even in difficult circumstances.

5. Why did Jehovah allow Job to suffer? (Job 1:20-22; 2:9, 10).

Jehovah allowed Job to suffer in order to answer Satan’s accusation that Job served God only because he had a comfortable life. Satan claimed that if Job lost everything, he would turn his back on Jehovah. Although Jehovah deeply loved Job, he allowed the trial to prove Satan a liar.

Despite losing his possessions, his children, and his health, Job remained loyal and did not blame God. In the end, Jehovah blessed him abundantly, making it clear that He values ​​and rewards faithfulness.

6. How might the story of Job have helped the Israelites? (See also the image.)

The story of Job could have been of great help to the Israelites suffering in Egypt and, later, in the desert. They endured years of slavery, trials, and discouragement. By learning Job's story, they could understand that suffering does not come from Jehovah, but has a different origin.

They also learned that Jehovah deeply values ​​the integrity and faithfulness of his servants. Furthermore, Job’s example would have taught them that enduring loyally is rewarded. This account helped them to view their problems from a spiritual perspective and to strengthen their trust in Jehovah.

ILLUSTRATION

An Israelite meditates while stacking bricks in Egypt. To his right and left, Egyptians can be seen beating other hardworking Israelites with sticks.

The Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt for many years, eventually learned the story of Job and surely drew practical lessons from it. (See paragraph 6.)

7, 8. How can the book of Job help those who are suffering? Share an experience.

The book of Job helps those who suffer because it clarifies that Jehovah is not the cause of human suffering. Many people, like Hazel, have come to believe that God is responsible for their suffering.

However, the story of Job shows that it is Satan who causes suffering. It also teaches us that we do not always suffer because of personal mistakes, since we can all face unforeseen events.

Furthermore, we learn that by remaining faithful under trials, we defend Jehovah’s name and prove Satan wrong. This knowledge gives us comfort, hope, and a solid foundation for maintaining our faith.

HOW JOB'S STORY HELPS US ENDURE

9. How would you describe Job while he was suffering? (James 5:11).

Job was going through extreme suffering, both physical and emotional. He was sick, alone, humiliated, and full of pain. At first glance, it might seem that he was merely surviving, but the Bible says that he was enduring.

Despite his anguish, Job did not abandon Jehovah nor lose his integrity. He poured out his heart, wept, and expressed his pain, but he never stopped trusting in God.

His example shows that enduring does not mean not feeling pain, but rather remaining faithful to Jehovah, even when we are broken inside. Job is living proof that Jehovah values ​​genuine endurance.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Job was suffering intensely, both physically and emotionally, but he did not give up or abandon Jehovah. Although he expressed his pain and anguish, he remained faithful. That is why the Bible says that he endured and that Jehovah considered him an example of patience.

10. What kind of relationship did Job have with Jehovah, and how do we know?

Job had a very close and sincere relationship with Jehovah. He felt free to express everything he felt inside, even his complaints, doubts, and pain. Although at times he spoke rashly and even thought that God was treating him unfairly, he never stopped speaking to Jehovah. This shows that he trusted him.

Later, Job acknowledged that he had said things without fully understanding them. His relationship with Jehovah was real, deep, and based on trust, not on appearances. This teaches us that Jehovah values ​​sincerity, even when we are suffering.

11. What did Jehovah do when he answered Job?

When Jehovah finally answered Job, he did not give him a detailed explanation of why he was suffering. Nor did he harshly rebuke him for his complaints. Rather, he lovingly corrected him, like a loving father corrects his son.

Jehovah helped Job to see the limitations of his knowledge and to recognize that he could not understand all divine matters. This answer touched Job’s heart, and he humbled himself and retracted his thoughtless words. This shows that Jehovah is patient, understanding, and always seeks to strengthen our faith, not crush us when we suffer.

12. What possible benefits did the Israelites derive from the story of Job?

The story of Job could have been very helpful to the Israelites, especially to leaders like Moses. Unlike other Israelites who constantly complained, Moses went to Jehovah to express his pain and frustration. He also had to accept discipline, even when it was very painful for him.

The story of Job taught the Israelites not to consider themselves more righteous than God, to express their feelings respectfully, and to accept correction with humility. These lessons would have helped them to endure hardships and maintain a good relationship with Jehovah.

13. How can the story of Job help us to endure? (Hebrews 10:36).

The story of Job teaches us that enduring doesn't mean remaining silent or pretending everything is fine. We can express our deepest feelings to Jehovah with the confidence that he hears us. Jehovah is not offended if, in the midst of pain, we say something inappropriate. On the contrary, he gives us strength and wisdom to keep going.

Furthermore, as he did with Job, Jehovah can correct us when we need it, using his Word or mature brothers and sisters. Job’s example encourages us to accept such correction with humility and to continue trusting in Jehovah, knowing that he will help us to endure.

LET US USE THE BOOK OF JOB TO HELP OTHERS

14. What is one way to explain why suffering exists?

A common way to explain suffering is to go back to the Garden of Eden. Satan deceived Adam and Eve, and as a result of their disobedience, sin and death entered humanity. Since then, we have all suffered.

Jehovah has allowed time to pass to prove that Satan is a liar and that his way of ruling does not work. In the end, God will eliminate suffering forever.

This biblical explanation helps many people understand that Jehovah is not the cause of pain, but has a loving purpose in allowing it temporarily.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Suffering exists because Satan deceived Adam and Eve, and they disobeyed God. Since then, sin has affected all mankind. Jehovah has allowed time to pass to prove that Satan lies and that his government is ineffective, but he will soon eliminate all suffering.

15. How can we use the book of Job when someone asks us why suffering exists? (See also the images.)

We can use the book of Job to show that this question is not new and that even faithful servants asked it. Job himself at one point thought that God was responsible for his suffering. However, the account clarifies that the cause was Satan.

We can explain that Jehovah allowed the trial because he trusts humans and knows they can remain faithful. Furthermore, we can emphasize that Jehovah did not abandon Job and that, in the end, he blessed him for his faithfulness. This account helps people understand that their suffering does not come from Jehovah and that he cares deeply for them.

ILLUSTRATION

Image series: 1. After a devastating fire, a woman kneels and weeps among the rubble of her home. In her hands, she holds a framed photograph. 2. Later, the woman walks past one of our carts located near a relief work center, and a sister reads her a Bible verse.

How can we use the book of Job to teach others that “God does not act with malice”? (See paragraph 15.)

16. Tell an experience that shows how the book of Job can help someone who is suffering.

Mario's experience demonstrates the comforting power of the book of Job. When a sister called him, he was writing a suicide note and thought God had abandoned him. Talking about Job, Mario realized that even faithful people had suffered and felt misunderstood.

Reading the book of Job helped him understand that Jehovah was not his enemy, but someone who listened to him and loved him. Thanks to this, Mario accepted a Bible study course and began to truly know Jehovah. This experience confirms that the book of Job can restore hope even in the darkest times.

17. Why are you grateful that Jehovah included the book of Job in his Word? (Job 34:12)

We are grateful that Jehovah included the book of Job, because it assures us that he does not act maliciously. This account explains why he allows suffering, how we can endure it, and how to comfort others.

Furthermore, it shows us that Jehovah values ​​faithfulness and integrity, even when we suffer unjustly. The book of Job strengthens our faith, gives us hope, and reminds us that Jehovah always sees and rewards those who trust in him. It is undoubtedly a testament to God’s love and wisdom in helping us understand and cope with human suffering.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How does understanding why God allowed Job to suffer benefit us?

It helps us to see that Jehovah does not cause suffering and that human faithfulness is of great value to him. Thank you very much.

How can the story of Job help us to endure?

It teaches us to confide in Jehovah, accept his correction, and continue to trust in him. Thank you very much.

How can we use the book of Job to help others?

Showing that God is not responsible for suffering and that He always rewards faithfulness.