Job 35:3 – “Yet you ask him, ‘What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 35:3, Elihu, a young friend of Job, confronts Job’s questioning of the value of his faithfulness to God. Job, in his suffering, wonders aloud if there’s any point to his righteousness when he endures so much pain, feeling as if his innocence and commitment to God have brought him no benefit. Elihu sees this as a dangerous mindset, as Job is essentially asking, “What’s the reward for following God if I still suffer?” Elihu warns that Job’s question reflects a misunderstanding of why we pursue righteousness—it’s not about immediate gain or avoiding suffering but about honoring God’s will and trusting His plan.
Historical Context
The book of Job is ancient and rooted in a time when blessings and curses were widely believed to directly correlate with one’s actions. If you were blessed, you were seen as righteous; if you suffered, you were assumed to have sinned. Job’s overwhelming suffering and loss challenge these conventional beliefs because, by all accounts, Job has lived an upright life. Elihu’s response to Job’s lament stands out as he emphasizes that God’s justice and reasons are beyond human comprehension and are not bound to a straightforward reward-and-punishment system. Elihu’s view shifts the focus from earthly rewards to a deeper trust in God’s eternal purposes.
Theological Implications
This verse touches on an important theological theme: the true nature of righteousness. Elihu highlights that righteousness is not about securing rewards or avoiding suffering; rather, it’s about faithfulness to God. Elihu calls Job (and readers) to recognize that our relationship with God shouldn’t be based on what we can get out of it, but on reverence, love, and trust in God’s character. Elihu’s answer challenges a transactional view of faith, calling believers to a higher understanding of devotion that doesn’t waver based on circumstances.
Literary Analysis
Job 35:3 is part of the poetic discourse that defines much of the book of Job. The dialogue’s intensity heightens in this verse as Elihu directly addresses Job’s struggle with his faith and righteousness. Elihu’s rhetorical question, “What profit is it to me?” pushes Job to consider his motivations for following God. The poetic style uses questions to prompt self-reflection, helping readers see that true devotion to God transcends personal gain. The structure emphasizes the tension between human expectations and God’s greater purpose, making readers contemplate the depth of their own faith.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
The Bible contains numerous verses that address the themes of righteousness, faith, and trust in God’s ways over our own:
- Psalm 73:13-14 – “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.” This psalm echoes Job’s struggle, as the psalmist also questions the benefit of righteousness amid suffering.
- Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Jesus teaches that our focus should be on eternal rewards, not earthly ones.
- 1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold… may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” This passage encourages believers to see trials as opportunities to refine and strengthen their faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Job 35:3 is a call to examine our motivation for following God. This verse challenges us to think about whether we follow God out of love and reverence or because we expect certain blessings in return. When life is hard, it can be easy to wonder if staying true to God “pays off,” but Elihu’s words remind us that our faith should be based on trust in God, not on immediate rewards. This verse speaks to the value of steadfast faith, especially when facing hardships that test our commitment.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Job 35:3 reveals a God who values the purity of our faith. Elihu’s response underscores that God’s love for us isn’t transactional or based on conditions, and in turn, He desires that our love and trust for Him aren’t conditional either. The fact that God allows Job to question and wrestle with these tough issues shows His patience and compassion. Even when we struggle, God remains steadfast, inviting us into a deeper relationship where our devotion to Him is genuine and enduring.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse also connects to Jesus’s teachings and His own life. Jesus lived a life of righteousness, fully committed to God’s will even when it led to suffering on the cross. Jesus taught that following God isn’t about earthly rewards but about fulfilling God’s purpose. In Luke 9:23, Jesus tells His disciples to “take up their cross daily,” a call to self-denial and trust in God’s path. Jesus’s ultimate act of obedience in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39) shows that He prioritized God’s will over His own desires, embodying the attitude Elihu encourages Job to adopt.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What is my motivation for following God? Am I looking for earthly rewards or seeking to honor Him?
- How can I stay committed to God even when life feels unjust or when I face suffering?
- In what ways can Jesus’s example of enduring suffering help strengthen my faith?
- How can this verse encourage me to comfort others who may question God’s justice in their own suffering?
Job 35:3 encourages believers to view righteousness as a deep, enduring relationship with God rather than a means to personal benefit. As Jesus exemplified, true faith trusts God’s character and purposes, even when they lead through difficult paths.