protest what seems unfair (9:1–10:22)
circumstances accurately, though his friends kept trying while Job learned to be content in God's sovereignty and mercy. The turning point or resolution for this matter is found in Job 28 where the character of divine wisdom is explained: divine wisdom is rare and priceless; man cannot hope to purchase it; and God possesses it all. We may not know what is going on in heaven or what God's purposes are, but we must trust him. Because of this, the matter of believers suffering takes a back seat to the matter of divine wisdom.
Outline
I. The Dilemma (1:1–2:13)
A. Introduction of Job (1:1–5)
B. Divine Debates with Satan (1:6–2:10) C. Arrival of Friends (2:11–13) II. The Debates (3:1–37:24)
A. The First Cycle (3:1–14:22)
1. Job's first speech expresses despair (3:1–26) 2. Eliphaz's first speech kindly protests and urges humility and repentance (4:1–5:27) 3. Job's reply to Eliphaz expresses anguish and questions the trials, asking for sympathy in his pain (6:1–7:21) 4. Bildad's first speech accuses Job of impugning God (8:1–22) 5. Job's response to Bildad admits he is not perfect, but may protest what seems unfair (9:1–10:22) 6. Zophar's first speech tells Job to get right with God (11:1–20) 7. Job's response to Zophar tells his friends they are wrong and only God knows and will, hopefully, speak to him (12:1–14:22) B. The Second Cycle (15:1–21:34)
1. Eliphaz's second speech accuses Job of presumption and disregarding the wisdom of the ancients (15:1–35) 2. Job's response to Eliphaz appeals to God against his unjust accusers (16:1–17:16) 3. Bildad's second speech tells Job he is suffering just what he deserves (18:1–21) 4. Job's response to Bildad cries out to God for pity (19:1–29) 5. Zophar's second speech accuses Job of rejecting God by questioning his justice (20:1–29)