The Patience of Job
Do you know people with the patience of Job? Those I admire include:
- Parents with a houseful of children
- Teachers with rowdy, disrespectful students
- Doctors with full waiting rooms who take time to answer questions
The patience of Job refers to people with great patience.
They stay calm in the middle of chaos. They treat others with kindness — even those rude to them.
People with the patience of Job endure through every circumstance.
They rarely waver despite:
- Illness
- Financial problems
- Relationship struggles
- Work overload
The patience of a saint means the same.
We often wonder how those people stay cool as a cucumber while others sweat bullets.
They rarely:
- Yell
- Act frustrated
- Blame others
Instead, they:
- Speak quietly
- Do what needs to be done
- Take responsibility when they do anything wrong
This expression refers to Job, a man in the Bible, who lost almost everything.
His losses included:
- All his children
- Possessions
- Health
Job could not understand his suffering but stood firm in his faith.
Although he received little support from people, he relied on God.
Eventually:
- Job’s health was restored.
- He had more children.
- His possessions doubled.
One constant for Job: Through all his ups and downs, God was always there.
“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God” (Job 19:25-26 NIV).
Thanks to Jessi Gowen for the suggestion.
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14 thoughts on “The Patience of Job”
Job, or anyone else who possesses great patience, is quite contrary to my personal life. Why is it that I can exhibit the “patience of Job” with strangers or mere acquaintances, yet am fast to “pull the trigger” on my frustration with myself or a family member? I like to tell myself, it’s because I hold myself and my family to a higher standard because I know what we are both capable of. However, I think more, the truth is that familiarity breeds boldness; and in some cases, arrogance. It may be proper for me to hold myself to a higher standard, but I don’t think I should impose my standards upon my family. Alas, none are perfect, but One.
Unfortunately, I think most of us do that, JD.
J. D, I’m so thankful our perfect Savior forgives our imperfections including our lack of patience.
I agree, Tracy, even though it’s hard to admit.
Oh my! I’m in need of patience as I wait for results from medical tests. I’m thankful to know that God understands. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
I pray your test results are good ones, Melissa. I often say my middle name is not patience, but, like you, I find it especially hard to wait for medical information.
How I admire those people who display the patience of Job, Diana, and I certainly strive to do better in the patience department. I loved your detailed explanation here today.
Thank you, Martha. They have my admiration too. We’re all works in progress, aren’t we?
Another good one, Diana. I only wish I had the patience of Job.
Thank you, Tracy. So do I! But we can’t give up. Baby steps are better than no steps at all.
Not that I want to be tested as Job was, but I greatly admire his faith, patience, and refusal to curse God. I think his perseverance under trial shows an underlying strength that demonstrates his tremendous faith in His God. Faith like that is rare, or maybe we don’t realize it, and recognize our Father’s presence, until we are placed under painful circumstances.
Good points, Katherine. I especially like your conclusion–one I need to remember.
Love this one. I’ve heard it most of my life. I onfess, I haven’t quite reached Job’s level of patience. 😊
I hear you, Gail. I’m not quite there yet either. Thank you.