Many Christians wrongly believe that their sickness, hardship, or suffering is simply a test from God—just like what Job went through. But what if Job’s suffering wasn’t just a test? What if hidden sin—specifically self-righteousness—was the true reason?
In this post, we’ll uncover a deeper truth from the Book of Job that many overlook. If you’ve struggled with the idea that God is allowing suffering just to “test” your faith, this perspective might change how you pray—and how you seek deliverance.
The Misunderstanding About Job’s Suffering
Most believers are familiar with Job Chapters 1, 2, and 42. But many skip the 39 chapters in between, where the real cause of Job’s suffering is revealed.
Let’s begin with Job’s own words:
Job 6:24 (NIV): “Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.”
Many assume Job was completely blameless throughout. But a full reading of the book paints a different picture—one in which God first commends Job but later rebukes him.
God’s Rebuke in Chapters 38–42
Job 40:2 (NKJV): “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it.”
Clearly, Job had begun to challenge God’s justice. In response, God speaks and exposes Job’s arrogance. Job’s reply?
Job 42:6: “Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Job repented. That means something was wrong.
The Three Friends Were Wrong—But So Was Job
Job’s three friends believed his suffering was punishment for sin. But God says:
Job 42:7 (NKJV): “You have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.”
They accused Job without cause—but that doesn’t mean Job was entirely innocent either.
The Missing Voice: Elihu’s Divine Insight
Enter Elihu, the fourth friend—often ignored because he only appears in Chapter 32. Yet unlike the others, he was not rebuked by God.
Job 32:1: “So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.”
This is self-righteousness—believing you’re right in your own eyes.
Elihu also quotes Job:
Job 33:9: “I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no iniquity in me.”
This clearly contradicts Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
And again:
Job 35:2–3: “Do you think this is right when you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s’?”
Elihu exposes the core issue: Job’s self-righteousness. This hidden sin was what God ultimately dealt with.
Why Would God Let This Happen?
Psalm 130:3: “If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
When God called Job “blameless” and “upright” (Job 1:8), it didn’t mean Job was sinless. It meant that no formal charge had yet been brought against him. Job’s record was clean—not because he was perfect—but because his hidden sin had not yet been exposed.
Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This verse is key. If all have sinned, then Job, too, was guilty of sin in God’s eyes. God, being just, would not lie or contradict Himself. So how could He say Job was “blameless”?
Think of it like this:
If someone were to commit a crime in secret—say, even murder—but no one knew or suspected them, and they applied for a police record the next day, it would read: “No criminal record.”
Why? Because no charge has been laid. There were no accusations. They appear legally blameless, though guilty.
This is how God presented Job in Job 1 and 2: as a man against whom no accusation had yet been brought. But that didn’t mean there wasn’t sin present. God is omniscient—He knew what was inside Job all along. However, God is also just. He doesn’t act on suspicion or hidden flaws without cause. Only the accuser—Satan—can bring a case.
Revelation 12:10: “For the accuser of our brethren… who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”
So when God brought up Job to Satan—“Have you considered My servant Job?”—He was not trying to show off. He was setting the stage. God knew Satan, the accuser, would press for a test. And in that test, Job’s hidden self-righteousness would be brought to light.
God allowed this because He wanted to deal with what was in Job all along—but He would not violate justice to do it. The pressure Job faced didn’t create sin. It exposed it.
When a grape is squeezed, it doesn’t release orange juice. It reveals what’s already inside.
When Job was squeezed, self-righteousness came out.
Why This Matters for You
If you believe your suffering is just a test, you might never seek deliverance or healing. But if it’s tied to hidden sin—even a sin as subtle as self-righteousness—then repentance is the key to restoration.
Job 42:10: “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends…”
Job’s healing and breakthrough came after repentance.
My Personal Story
For two and a half years, I suffered under demonic oppression—attacked night after night by witches, warlocks, and demons. I didn’t understand why, until God showed me that a cursed book in my home had opened the door to these attacks.
I had no idea the book was cursed. I assumed the attacks were happening because I was a “good” Christian who fasted and prayed a lot, and that these attacks were just part of spiritual warfare.
But I was wrong.
When I finally cried out and asked the Lord why this was happening, He revealed the truth. I removed the book, and the attacks stopped immediately.
For two and a half years, I suffered because I misinterpreted Job’s story. I believed the attacks were a test. But they were the result of an open door—an area where the enemy had legal access.
Final Thoughts
It’s time we stop misinterpreting Job’s story.
If the enemy is attacking you… if the weapons formed against you are prospering… then something may have opened the door. It may have been done in ignorance—but it still needs to be closed.
If Job had to repent—so might we.
Just as Job’s hidden self-righteousness brought suffering, unconfessed sins—like those explored in our post on hidden sins—can open doors to spiritual struggles and delay your breakthrough.