Great Lives: Job

Great Lives From God's Word

by Charles R. Swindoll

Bestselling author Charles Swindoll challenges us to take a closer look at Job's life, carefully examining his response to the unexpected and painful experiences that assaulted his once peaceful and God-honoring existence--and we might just find that Job is a hero after all. When you think of Job, you may think of a hapless victim of unfair treatment. His disastrous circumstances overwhelmed him, his so-called friends belittled him, and his distraught wife discouraged and abandoned him. Even God seemed to desert him. At first glance, Job may not seem like the traditional portrait of a hero, but Job's patience, strength, and dedication in the face of unforeseen suffering makes his story worth knowing. As Swindoll traces Job's life and legacy, he challenges us to apply the lessons Job learned firsthand to our own lives, including the importance of: We have no way of knowing what tomorrow may bring, but if it is anything like the past, we know that storms will always come. And when they do we have a choice--to react in bitterness and anger or fall to our knees like Job and trust God even though we cannot understand why he would permit such a thing to occur.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Faith, Religion, Christianity, Theology

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2004

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Biblical book of Job is rather challenging; it illustrates why bad things happen to good people, which is something that many struggle to understand.

No matter how many times you've read the Biblical account, Charles Swindoll's commentary will make you look at it differently, and help you apply its teachings to your life.

After reading this, I'm curious to check out Mr. Swindoll's other commentaries on the lives of people from God's Word.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. the message was timely for what I was going through. I skimmed some of the pages toward the end as it started feeling repetitive. Yet, Swindoll gives great insight.

Completed July 1 for my book a day in July challenge for myself.

[Ron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Swindoll is famous for the short, focused study books. This is not one of them.

In 2002 Chuck Swindoll preached for nine months on the book of Job. He parishioners probably felt like Job under the belaboring tongues of his erstwhile friends. This book is obviously a concatenation of those sermons. He rambles, repeats, gives the same scripture from several sources then paraphrases it himself, tell anecdotes, and shares anonymous Internet trivia. He should have been ashamed.

That said, there is some good stuff among all the garbage. The average reader will have trouble finding it though.

Don't waste your time with this book.

[Silvia Cachia]

We are learning from the book of Job in our Sunday adult class at church, and this book was a nice companion to the excellent lessons we are receiving from our young and wise man who is teaching.

This is the first book by this author I read, and I found it straightforward, and insightful, written with a conversationalist style but not superficial. It definitely helped me immerse myself even deeper into this, my favorite book of the Bible.

[Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

¿Quiéres entender y conocer mejor a Dios a través del sufrimiento, la prueba y las aflicciones? Debes leer este libro.

Existen muy pocos libros sobre Job, definitivamente recomiendo este.

Me gustan mucho los libros que salen motivados por experiencias personales. El autor cierra el libro expresando esto, que has tenido experiencias difíciles en la familia, y eso lo motivo a escribir este libro.

Yo creo que por eso, el libro es tan personal, profundo, práctico y equilibrado.

Aunque es un libro largo, no puedo dejar de recomendar este libro a todo cristiano. Tarde o temprano, las nubes negras de los conflictos y los problemas llegarán, y es bueno estar preparado. Necesitamos aprovecharlas, así como Job lo hizo. ¿Cuántas veces no hemos desperdiciado las pruebas que Dios nos ha puesto?

Aunque a veces un poco repetitivo, y en ciertos casos hubiera querido que ahondara más (la visión nocturna de Elifaz, el largo discurso de Eliú), cada capítulo tiene una buena explicación, y lecciones doctrinales y prácticas que podemos aprender.

¡Que aprendamos más de Dios y nosotros a través de Job!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series that I have read and it is definitely more emotional. Swindoll included many hardships of people he knows. (I hope he had permission to share their private life).
Swindoll included some fascinating information that (pg 35) Going through sustained hard times weakens most men. For some rea, hardship seems to strengthen women;...)
There were many chapters where Swindoll breaks down the book of Job (from the Bible), such as (pg 33) A summary of what Job suffered:
Inflamed, ulcerous sores Job 2:7
Persistent itching Job 2:8
Degenerative change in facial skin, disfiguration Job 2:12
Loss appetite Job 3:24
Fears and depression Job 3:25
Purulent sores that burst open, scab over, crack, and ooze with pus Job 7:5 (are you grossed out yet?)
Worms that form in the sores themselves Job 7:5
Difficulty in breathing Job 9:18
A darkening of the eyelid Job 16:16
Foul breath Job 19:17
Loss of weight Job 19:20; 33:21
Excruciating, continual pain Job 30:27
High fever with chills and discoloring of skin as well as anxiety ad diarrhea Job 30:30
(I couldn't find some of these specific details in the book of Job in the Bible)
On top of the bodily horror Job was suffering, his wife was telling him to curse God and his friends weren't any better.

If the book hadn't included quotes from the message, (which seems to be Swindoll's go to book for scripture), the redundancy of the friends, making the book longer than it needed or should have been, and the quotes from false teachers or an atheist author, the book would have been a four or five star read.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very homiletic in tone. You’ll get more insights into life than into Job. If that's what you’re going for, this is a nice read.

[Beth Peninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chuck Swindoll is a great teacher of God's word. And for the Book of Job he pulls off what few pastors/teachers are able to - he makes the Book of Job come alive and he teaches it with depth and insight and not the usual themes that most churches use when it comes to Job. He exposes the true themes of Job and doesn't bend to the normal considerations. As I am studying the Book of Job in depth I appreciated Swindoll's discourse, I appreciated his insights and exposures of the book and how it applies to us today. Is the Book of Job and its lessons relevant to 21st century believers? The answer is a resounding YES and Swindoll takes the time to show us why. Job has been put on a pedestal in Christian circles as a man of patience but we see, in a careful examination of the book, that he wasn't patient. He was, however, enduring. He was, however, committed to God regardless. He was, however, steadfast in his pursuit of relationship with God despite the physical ailments and emotional torment. This is a thick book, 22 chapters of discussion on the book of Job, but it is worth the time and effort required to read such a great expose on Job.

[Phil Della · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came along when I needed it. I had finished reading the book of Job for probably the 6th time over the last 20 years and I felt like I could use some help sorting it out in my head. Soon after thinking this I found Charles Swindoll's book in a thrift store for $1, so I snapped it up. I knew Swindoll well from his radio program Insight for Living, so I had a good idea of what to expect: thorough, sometimes painstaking, analysis of the Bible verse by verse. However, I knew also that there would be an ample amount of Swindoll's own anecdotes thrown in to make the journey through a 350 page book entertaining. And it was. I didn't read it all through in a matter of weeks. Instead, I paired it with my daily Bible reading. So, I'd read a chapter from the Bible (wherever I happened to be) and I'd read a section of Swindoll. This dragged the book out, but that's what I do, and I think I came away with a better understanding of Job. That's the main thing I was after. But I never would have finished the book had it not been a good read. Thanks Chuck.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio of this book.

I actually picked this up for a couple reasons. First - my Sunday School Class will be starting a series on Job in September and I wanted to be somewhat prepared to enter the discussion. And I think it gave me some insight to be able to to that.

Second - I am in the midst of some trials in my life at the moment and I thought it might be helpful in dealing with those. And it did give me some gems of wisdom.

It is however a long, meandering, repetitive book, and although I should have expected it given the subject matter, some of the right winged side comments threw me for a loop. I didn't think they really gave any kind of helpful insight when thrown in. It's making me hesitant to listen to the other books in the series that I had marked for reading.

[Siska · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I think that live is not fair... well I know a person who was feel the same way that I do... only he experience a lot much worst fate than I do. He was Job
there is many life questions that I don't understand... why I was suffered in my life, why many problem happen with Christian even though we lived according to God words...
why sometime God just shut the door and won't listen to my pray
I get a lot more understanding in how God authority in my life. How sometime problem was just a test for me, for me to learn how to keep my faith in Him and to teach me to believe in every circumstances
a great book for those who in the middle of problem, disappointing situation, and many life struggling
God bless us

[Jason Henry]

Whether it was learning of Satan's sinister, fault-finding personality or Job who walked with God all his life and yet still was tested on his faithfulness and integrity shows he still had much to learn about God or the God who knows everything perfectly from the beginning could let evil have its way because in the end He would settle all accounts in His way and in His time, this book was a real treat on the life and trials of Job. Through Job we learn about ourselves, the nature of people, Satan, and the Sovereign God who doesn't have to explain himself to anybody. I would recommend this book to anybody.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure of the topic. You always hear how Job suffered. Swindoll takes the approach that Job endures. I loved the chapter on how to handle criticism with class. Just a different take on a great man of the Bible. It's long enough to cover the whole book of the Bible but short enough to keep your interest. I highly recommend this book and all the others in the Great Lives series.

[B. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for a hard to understand book of the Bible. As you recall, the book of Job is filled with poetry and is sometimes hard to understand (at least for me). Charles Swindoll describes the life lessons from the book of Job and dissects all of the characters involved, e.g. Job, his counselors, etc. We all need the book of Job when life doesn't seem fair. Charles Swindoll's exposition helps us see more clearly the heroism of Job and the applications for modern day life.

[Calvin Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started out slower, was quite long, and ended with amazing grace. I can not recommend this book more highly as each of us will entertain sorrow and trials in our lives... over and over again. Instead of trying to find some theological treaties to sorrow and pain, Swindoll shows us the response of the man in question. How Job endured and responded are treasured lessons meant to learn in a life time.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gained much insight into Job as a Man of Heroic Endurance through the authors wisdom and knowledge of who God is and what we can learn from Job's struggle and pain. What has always touched my heart is that Job didn't give up on God! It is well worth reading through Job first and then the book by Swindoll. His entire series The Great Lives Series, which also cover David, Esther, Joseph, Moses, Elijah & Paul should be read.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was always curious about the Book of Job - never really understood it, but this in depth look at Job’s story written with the beauty of poetry, and what we can learn from Job’s legendary experience in suffering - is revealing in what it says about the God he worshipped and what that might mean for us today. For those experiencing heartache and suffering, it takes on those tough questions of why and the importance of endurance.

[Pam Hylbert-eder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would read this book again. Probably an all time favorite. Possibly because it was what I needed at the right time in my personal journey. I agree with Randy's comments. A "desert book." loved this
When you think that your life can't get any worse, turn to this bible story. Oh to have the faith of Job. :)

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gained new insight into the life and trials of Job. Ordinarily, I enjoy Swindoll's listing of things of significance. However, this time it became rather tedious. Also, he could have totally left off the last two chapters and not harmed the message of the book. All in all, a thought provoking book and a good read for all of those who ask, "Why is God letting this happen to me?"

[Randy Patterson]

This is a book DEFINITELY on my "desert island" list. It is a must read for those who are going through, have been through, or about to go through a major trial in life. Do you get the impression that I LOVE this book?

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always, always get something out of reading Swindoll's in depth books about a person in the bible. This was not one of my favorites of this series but I did gain alot of wisdom about the book of Job and the man of Job.

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite books. Gave me a sense of wonder, and joy about the goodness of God. This book helped me to understand the story of Job, and understand the gospel more clearly. I absolutely love Job, and I love Charles Swindoll. This book is slow, but worth the read and time.

[Jackie Galasinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Job: Learning God's always in control

I liked the life lessons along with verses, it helped me relate to my own life. Everyone faces something really difficult in they're life, no matter what it is there is something to learn from this book.

[Jay Risner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good.

[harold westervelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I have read several books by Swindoll and this is another great one. His wall through the book of Job will make a real difference in my life.

[Jt]

awesome

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to get your bible learning when the bible puts you to sleep. Job is difficult but so beneficial. Helped me when I got my terminal diagnosis.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding,!

The author takes on a difficult study and, not only handles it well, he makes it easy and exciting to read. This whole series will definitely draw you closer to God.

[Rita Schunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are experiencing hard times (and who hasn't), this book will help you put things in perspective.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Job has always been a hard Biblical book for me to read, but this in-depth study brought a fresh appreciation and new insight. Far from being a dry read, I found it difficult to put down. Swindoll illustrates his points with recollections and stories while taking a deep dive into Job’s suffering and endurance. I read the book with a highlighter in hand, marking up passage after passage.

Each chapter of Job from the Bible is given a thorough examination. Parts made me uncomfortable as I was reacquainted with how horribly Job suffered. I grew angry with his friends whose initial good intentions deteriorated into rants and accusations. Dr. Swindoll made he feel Job’s misery, especially when the poor man is unjustly accused in the midst of his suffering.

But it is the last several chapters of the book when God enters the scene, which held me truly spellbound. Despite reading Job’s story in the Bible, I never understood those closing chapters as I do now thanks to this insightful study. I know I will refer to this book again and again.