Relating With Women Of The BibleНамуна

Job’s Wife: Misunderstood Affections


I have a place in my heart wherein I can draw some understanding of Job’s wife’s plight. Everything was serene and happy, and I had an almost perfect life. And then, the 'suddenly' came! Suddenly, my world turned upside down – I was without a job, homeless, separated from my children, heart-broken, despised, and lost.


We don’t even know her name, yet one brief statement of ‘cursing God and die’ made her an infamous woman, and judged to be Satan’s accomplice. How can this be when God painted a picture-perfect life for Job and his wife? They were blessed with ten children and theirs was a happy, tightly-knitted family. Job was respected, the greatest man in the east. This wouldn't be possible without his wife’s support! She must have been the ideal Proverbs 31 woman, called blessed by both her husband and children.


But Satan asked God for Job to be tested. Suddenly, the unthinkable happened! Job lost all his children, his health, and wealth. But don’t think for a minute that only Job suffered the hardships! Job’s wife lost it all, too, suddenly! She grieved as Job did. No parents should bury their children, let alone, all of them at the same time. And imagine being the richest and suddenly becoming very poor in the blink of an eye! Job’s wife had to forego the luxurious lifestyle she was accustomed to. To top it off, she had to care for a very sick man smote with boils and unrecognizable to his friends.


The excruciating pain casted down Job’s soul, desiring God would take his life. Job’s wife endured all these while hearing the agony of his screams and his friends’ reprimands. She had no helper, no family, no support system. It seemed like God had forsaken them. Yet, in the end, Job was doubly blessed and had seven sons and the most beautiful daughters. So we know that Job’s wife stuck around! They both passed God's test.


Women aren’t numb to pain. While some would lose sanity, curse God and die, or run away to find refuge elsewhere, daughters of God stick around steadfast in faith despite the 'suddenlies' of life. Maintaining a Christian marriage is not without challenges, but God understands our emotions sometimes create havoc. So, be angry, but sin not. But if you sin, repent and receive God’s forgiveness.