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The "Be" Commentary
Be Patient (Job): Waiting on God in Difficult Times
You Can Endure and Mature in Trials "When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). Many people have heard about Job and his trials, but not many people understand what those trials were all about and what God was trying to accomplish through them. Neither did Job, at least not at first. But as Job asked hard questions of himself, his friends, and his God, he gained new insights on suffering, patience, and endurance. And he learned a valuable lesson about how powerful--and caring--the Lord really is. As you study the Book of Job, you too will learn much--whether you have suffered, are suffering now, or are helping a loved one cope with suffering. Like the patriarch of old, you can learn to Be Patient in your trials.
168 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 1984
167 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
662 books415 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 12, 2018
"No matter what God permits to come into our lives, He always has His "afterword." He writes the last chapter-and that makes it all worth it.
Therefore, Be Patient!"
This was a great read! It gave me more insight into the book of Job. I liked the questions at the end of each chapter. The book was written very well and I recommend it. I will definitely be reading more of these books.
Therefore, Be Patient!"
This was a great read! It gave me more insight into the book of Job. I liked the questions at the end of each chapter. The book was written very well and I recommend it. I will definitely be reading more of these books.
November 6, 2014
Job is not one of the books of the Bible that I like to sit down and read through because it can be a bit long and drawn out and confusing to me. Reading this commentary helped me see this story through a different perspective.
Lately I've been surrounded by people who have succumb to the ideas of prosperity gospel, and I was wondering how I could properly and kindly address the lie. I had forgotten that Job addresses that issue.
It was also a good reminder to me of how I need to take care of how I attempt to comfort others who are going through trials in their lives.
Lately I've been surrounded by people who have succumb to the ideas of prosperity gospel, and I was wondering how I could properly and kindly address the lie. I had forgotten that Job addresses that issue.
It was also a good reminder to me of how I need to take care of how I attempt to comfort others who are going through trials in their lives.
January 17, 2015
While I appreciate the message of Job, trudging through the 42 chapters has never been enjoyable for me. Having this commentary however, helped immensely in making sense of the poetic language, various arguments, and gave an easy to understand outline of Job. I highly recommend it as a Bible study companion.
June 12, 2025
Such an excellent devotional commentary. Not crazy deep, but clear and concise with powerful quotes and thought-provoking statements. My only quibble is that he interprets behemoth as a hippopotamus and leviathan as a crocodile. 🙄🙄 He doesn’t mention how the hippopotamus could move his tail like a cedar, and his explanation for a fire-breathing crocodile is pretty lame.
💠 Faith is living without scheming. It is obeying God, in spite of feelings, circumstances, or consequences, knowing that He is working out His perfect plan in His way, and in His time.
💠 Don’t try to explain everything; explanations never heal a broken heart.
💠 We live on promises, not explanations; so we shouldn’t spend too much time asking God why.
💠 A true theologian walks in the light of God‘s revelation in his word, in history, and in creation; and he humbly accepts the truth, no matter what the cost.
💠 If people serve God only for what they get out of it, then they are not serving God at all, they’re only serving themselves by making God their servant.
💠 Sometimes we have to experience misunderstanding from unsympathetic friends in order to learn how to minister to others.
💠 There is true consolation in our faith, but it is not dispensed in convenient doses like cough medicine. It can be shared only by those who know what it’s like to be so far down in the pit that they feel as though God has abandoned them.
💠 The highest reward for a faithful life is not what you get for it, but what you become by it. ‘Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes of men. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong, or we grow weak, and at last some crisis shows what we have become.’ (Brooke Westcott)
💠 How did Job serve God? By enduring suffering, and not cursing God, and thereby silencing the devil! Suffering in the will of God is a ministry that God gives to a chosen few.
💠 No matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. We don’t have to be afraid. We can trust God to do what is right, no matter how painful our situation might be.
💠 Faith is living without scheming. It is obeying God, in spite of feelings, circumstances, or consequences, knowing that He is working out His perfect plan in His way, and in His time.
💠 Don’t try to explain everything; explanations never heal a broken heart.
💠 We live on promises, not explanations; so we shouldn’t spend too much time asking God why.
💠 A true theologian walks in the light of God‘s revelation in his word, in history, and in creation; and he humbly accepts the truth, no matter what the cost.
💠 If people serve God only for what they get out of it, then they are not serving God at all, they’re only serving themselves by making God their servant.
💠 Sometimes we have to experience misunderstanding from unsympathetic friends in order to learn how to minister to others.
💠 There is true consolation in our faith, but it is not dispensed in convenient doses like cough medicine. It can be shared only by those who know what it’s like to be so far down in the pit that they feel as though God has abandoned them.
💠 The highest reward for a faithful life is not what you get for it, but what you become by it. ‘Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes of men. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong, or we grow weak, and at last some crisis shows what we have become.’ (Brooke Westcott)
💠 How did Job serve God? By enduring suffering, and not cursing God, and thereby silencing the devil! Suffering in the will of God is a ministry that God gives to a chosen few.
💠 No matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. We don’t have to be afraid. We can trust God to do what is right, no matter how painful our situation might be.
November 3, 2017
I have read and enjoyed seven commentaries by Wiersbe, but this one was disappointing. Maybe it's just that much of the book of Job is hard to apply to modern-day life. But I felt that most of the commentary was just a re-hash of each chapter.
I'm glad I hung on until the end because I appreciated his conclusion: "We must not misinterpret this final chapter of Job and conclude that every trial will end with all problems solved, all hard feelings forgiven, and everybody living happily ever after. It doesn't always happen that way. This chapter assures us that, no matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. Therefore we don't have to be afraid. We can trust God to do what is right."
I'm glad I hung on until the end because I appreciated his conclusion: "We must not misinterpret this final chapter of Job and conclude that every trial will end with all problems solved, all hard feelings forgiven, and everybody living happily ever after. It doesn't always happen that way. This chapter assures us that, no matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. Therefore we don't have to be afraid. We can trust God to do what is right."
August 23, 2015
A really good book to read while studying Job. It brings out the main ideas of the book including the language and the arguments from the speakers. It helped me to understand and see the books through different eyes. Recommended
February 14, 2023
For a commentary type study this book is not what you are looking for but this does make for a wonderful combination of a devotional-commentary. This does not go in depth on matters the way that a normal commentary would, and it assumes a basis of Biblical knowledge in certain areas. However this book does offer a neat section of reflection questions at the end of each chapter that allows the content to be more personal and impactful. It is a great tool to help when you are going through difficult times or if you want to help walk others through hard times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
This is one of the better Wiersbe books. He provides some useful insights and summaries.
It’s a bit disappointing that the most theologically rich chapters of Job (the first three and last four) were given only two chapters in this book. I like that he didn’t buy into conspiracies about dinosaurs, and interpreted the behemoth and leviathan to be common creatures we have today.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a somewhat closer look at Job.
It’s a bit disappointing that the most theologically rich chapters of Job (the first three and last four) were given only two chapters in this book. I like that he didn’t buy into conspiracies about dinosaurs, and interpreted the behemoth and leviathan to be common creatures we have today.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a somewhat closer look at Job.
January 12, 2023
Very easy to read and follow. Really helped me to have a better perspective on the book of Job
October 13, 2025
Classic Wiersbe. Solid exegesis. Good lay level commentary.
January 19, 2017
Wiersbe walks the line between practical and theological beautifully. And while he's at it, he's one of the most quotable people I've ever read.
This isn't strictly a commentary, going verse by verse through Job, but it does walk through the book in order, helping break down the big ideas into manageable concepts. Wiersbe sorts through the long speeches by Job and his friends, identifying truth and clarifying the places where a small view of God or misapplied truth is skewing the perspective.
But mostly he helps you apply these truths to your world - whether you're suffering yourself and struggling to see beyond your pain or you're anxious to offer meaningful help to someone you love.
One crucial question in the book is what Job's friends should have done versus what they DID do. Wiersbe helps identify the path between truth and love.
"A wise counselor and comforter must listen with the heart and respond to feelings as well as to words. You do not heal a broken heart with logic; you heal a broken heart with love. Yes, you must speak the truth; but be sure to speak the truth in love."
And this: "The best way to help discouraged and hurting people is to listen with your heart and not just with your ears. It's not what they say but why they say it that is important. Let them know that you understand their pain by reflecting back to them in different words just what they say to you. Don't argue or try to convince them with logical reasoning. There will be time for that later; meanwhile, patiently accept their feelings - even their bitter words against God - and build bridges, not walls."
He gives room for our human brokenness while continually pointing us toward Christ.
"In the darkness of despair and the prison of pain, we often say things that we later regret; but God understands all about it and lovingly turns a deaf ear to our words but a tender eye to our wounds."
And he allows for the fact that while we have core truths and glimpses, we will never, with our human capacity to understand, grasp the greatness of our God.
"The fourteenth-century British spiritual writer Richard Rolle said, 'He truly knows God perfectly that find Him incomprehensible and unable to be known.' The more we learn about God, the more we discover how much more there is to know! Beware of people who claim to know all about God, for their claim is proof they know neither God nor themselves."
Finally, he reminds us that one reason we suffer is to make us comforters for others. "God's comfort is never given; it is always loaned. God expects us to share it with others."
This isn't strictly a commentary, going verse by verse through Job, but it does walk through the book in order, helping break down the big ideas into manageable concepts. Wiersbe sorts through the long speeches by Job and his friends, identifying truth and clarifying the places where a small view of God or misapplied truth is skewing the perspective.
But mostly he helps you apply these truths to your world - whether you're suffering yourself and struggling to see beyond your pain or you're anxious to offer meaningful help to someone you love.
One crucial question in the book is what Job's friends should have done versus what they DID do. Wiersbe helps identify the path between truth and love.
"A wise counselor and comforter must listen with the heart and respond to feelings as well as to words. You do not heal a broken heart with logic; you heal a broken heart with love. Yes, you must speak the truth; but be sure to speak the truth in love."
And this: "The best way to help discouraged and hurting people is to listen with your heart and not just with your ears. It's not what they say but why they say it that is important. Let them know that you understand their pain by reflecting back to them in different words just what they say to you. Don't argue or try to convince them with logical reasoning. There will be time for that later; meanwhile, patiently accept their feelings - even their bitter words against God - and build bridges, not walls."
He gives room for our human brokenness while continually pointing us toward Christ.
"In the darkness of despair and the prison of pain, we often say things that we later regret; but God understands all about it and lovingly turns a deaf ear to our words but a tender eye to our wounds."
And he allows for the fact that while we have core truths and glimpses, we will never, with our human capacity to understand, grasp the greatness of our God.
"The fourteenth-century British spiritual writer Richard Rolle said, 'He truly knows God perfectly that find Him incomprehensible and unable to be known.' The more we learn about God, the more we discover how much more there is to know! Beware of people who claim to know all about God, for their claim is proof they know neither God nor themselves."
Finally, he reminds us that one reason we suffer is to make us comforters for others. "God's comfort is never given; it is always loaned. God expects us to share it with others."
February 2, 2016
"Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?" Warren W. Wiersbe tackles this question as he explores the life of Job in his commentary "Be Patient." Through Job's story, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and encouraged to endure the suffering in our own lives.
In a single day, Job's wealth was plundered, his ten children were killed, and his health was taken. His friends judged him and his wife did not stand by her man. But Job held on to his trust in Almighty God--a Father who is always good and always faithful. In addition to restoring his wealth and relationships, God gave Job a much greater blessing: a deeper knowledge of Himself and His ways.
I read this to help me lead a read thru the Bible class at my residence. Very helpful.
In a single day, Job's wealth was plundered, his ten children were killed, and his health was taken. His friends judged him and his wife did not stand by her man. But Job held on to his trust in Almighty God--a Father who is always good and always faithful. In addition to restoring his wealth and relationships, God gave Job a much greater blessing: a deeper knowledge of Himself and His ways.
I read this to help me lead a read thru the Bible class at my residence. Very helpful.
May 23, 2011
This was a thoughtful, interesting study of what I think is one of the more difficult books in the Bible. I especially liked the provocative questions at the end of each chapter. They stirred lively discussions in our men's group -- not that we really need provocative questions to have lively discussions.
August 7, 2015
love it! amazing message for believers and having faith in GOD.
Sometimes what we think we have is not what GOD considers abundance. We are never too big to be bought down. When we fall there is no one and nothing to pick us back up. All we have is the strength and power of GOD.
Sometimes what we think we have is not what GOD considers abundance. We are never too big to be bought down. When we fall there is no one and nothing to pick us back up. All we have is the strength and power of GOD.
June 26, 2016
great commentary on book of Job. helped me look deeper into the scripture and think critically about the passages. loved the questions at the end of the chapter to confirm understanding and for self evaluation.
September 13, 2017
God is Sovereign
Learn to live life with open hands and enjoy whatever circumstances that come. If all we had left in this world was our life, we can still give thanks that God is our Father.
Learn to live life with open hands and enjoy whatever circumstances that come. If all we had left in this world was our life, we can still give thanks that God is our Father.
October 6, 2017
Great Study on Job
Dr. Wiersbe did masterful job expounding on the life of Job. The application points and questions to ponder made this study very relevant to the reader. I was humbled, challenged, and encouraged as a result of this study.
Dr. Wiersbe did masterful job expounding on the life of Job. The application points and questions to ponder made this study very relevant to the reader. I was humbled, challenged, and encouraged as a result of this study.
August 2, 2016
Rated: A-
October 4, 2012
This was my second book in Wiersbe's BE Series.I really like his way with words and his devotion to scripture.
May 19, 2016
I found the book a little dry comoared to others like C.S. Lewis on "Pain".
September 7, 2016
Good and "light" read. Good as a small group guide.
July 10, 2017
Wiersbe is always a good companion to a Bible study. He is very approachable and down to earth with sound doctrine and good application points
October 30, 2021
This is a 4-4.5 star. I thought the middle of the book was handled well with some good insights that I hadn't heard brought out in the past. However, the beginning and ending were relatively weak. The questions and interlude were really good and bump this book up to being especially useful for a discussion group.
I didn't agree with all his thoughts but I could appreciate his explanations and perspective.
I did appreciate the very end in which the author addresses that it is important to not misinterpret the last chapter and "conclude that every trial will end with all problems solved, all hard feelings forgiven, and everybody 'living happily ever after'." However, we are assured that "no matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. Therefore, we don't have to be afraid. We can trust God to do what is right, no matter how painful our situation might be."
I didn't agree with all his thoughts but I could appreciate his explanations and perspective.
I did appreciate the very end in which the author addresses that it is important to not misinterpret the last chapter and "conclude that every trial will end with all problems solved, all hard feelings forgiven, and everybody 'living happily ever after'." However, we are assured that "no matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. Therefore, we don't have to be afraid. We can trust God to do what is right, no matter how painful our situation might be."
August 30, 2020
The book of Job is probably one of my least liked books of the Bible. It stirs up memories of people I knew who were in the depths of despair, wallowed in it, because they would only accept justice on their terms, and when it didn’t happen and their friends, myself included, didn’t want to wallow in their despair any longer, they committed suicide.
This book therefore open up questions as to what could I have done differently? Was I a good friend. Was the hardening of my heart wrong here?
And as usual, I am no closer to the questions stirred up in me, but I believe and hope that I have grown more patient and compassionate with people who have really heavy spiritual, physical and mental burdens.
This book therefore open up questions as to what could I have done differently? Was I a good friend. Was the hardening of my heart wrong here?
And as usual, I am no closer to the questions stirred up in me, but I believe and hope that I have grown more patient and compassionate with people who have really heavy spiritual, physical and mental burdens.
July 31, 2021
This is an awesome study of Job. We walk through the book line by line, connect it with theology and Old Testament study, and then connect it to the real world.
This should help us reconsider our relationship with God, and help us keep Him on the throne of our lives and understand that He is bigger than our problems on earth.
Also great for people going through a rough patch. Understanding that God is sending us through the furnace to be refined, and bringing Himself glory through you.
This is just a remarkable study. I recommend have a group and reading Job along with the book. It would make the experience so much more enjoyable. I hope to convince my Bible Study group to try these books, and I want to find the others to read as well.
This should help us reconsider our relationship with God, and help us keep Him on the throne of our lives and understand that He is bigger than our problems on earth.
Also great for people going through a rough patch. Understanding that God is sending us through the furnace to be refined, and bringing Himself glory through you.
This is just a remarkable study. I recommend have a group and reading Job along with the book. It would make the experience so much more enjoyable. I hope to convince my Bible Study group to try these books, and I want to find the others to read as well.
October 1, 2019
Warren Wiersbe is a great communicator, especially in explaining the Bible in a way that is thorough but simple. I was especially grateful for this book to guide me through the Bible Book of Job. In addition to providing a great outline and verse-by-verse explanations, Wiersbe also includes extra teaching in short but very helpful "interludes" interspersed throughout. The bonus interludes add extra background information and insight. This book is one of 50 Bible Commentaries authored by Wiersbe, covering the entire Bible. They all start with "Be" and they all bring clarity to Bible passages.
May 7, 2024
Really, Really Good!
If you are going through a trial, and feel like you just can't take any more...this is a good book to grab. It helps clarify and explain the first book of the Bible Job! It revealed so much to me, and in doing so, helped me put into perspective my own problems. God has a reason for everything, He holds all creation together, and is working it for good for those that love him. It put in perspective the so called friends that try to give their "advice" to Job which in turn is a "how not to do" when helping a friend in pain.
If you are going through a trial, and feel like you just can't take any more...this is a good book to grab. It helps clarify and explain the first book of the Bible Job! It revealed so much to me, and in doing so, helped me put into perspective my own problems. God has a reason for everything, He holds all creation together, and is working it for good for those that love him. It put in perspective the so called friends that try to give their "advice" to Job which in turn is a "how not to do" when helping a friend in pain.
January 22, 2018
Job vs Wiersbe's Commentary
I think I am rating this book with 4 stars because of the content of Job not the commentary. I have read many of Wiersbe's commentarys which have made the hardest books of the Bible understandable, but today I feel flat. Not satisfied. But again I believe the subject not the commentary is to blame.
I think I am rating this book with 4 stars because of the content of Job not the commentary. I have read many of Wiersbe's commentarys which have made the hardest books of the Bible understandable, but today I feel flat. Not satisfied. But again I believe the subject not the commentary is to blame.
November 24, 2023
An exploration of the book of Job and his story, offering profound insights into the virtue of patience and trusting God amidst adversity. Wiersbe skillfully connects Job's troubles to the universal human experience, guiding readers on how to endure with patience and unwavering faith in the face of life's difficulties.
April 30, 2020
Helpful insight
Job can be a hard book to read through during the long speeches/debates between job and his friends. I’m thankful for the insight of this book. It was helpful in understanding the deeper issues going on.
Job can be a hard book to read through during the long speeches/debates between job and his friends. I’m thankful for the insight of this book. It was helpful in understanding the deeper issues going on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews