"My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” Job 42:7

How shall we read Job, particularly the words of Job and his three “friends”?

First, read their words (and Job’s) remembering that at the end God rebuked them for not speaking what was right concerning God. Job and his friends spoke some things that are true, but most of their conclusions were profoundly incorrect. Remember that the Bible accurately records what happened, while not endorsing all that it records as true. Anything that anyone says or does in scripture than is not in line with the whole of the Bible is wrong.

Second, Job reminds us of the important doctrine of “progressive revelation.” For example, after the resurrection, the Apostles knew more than Noah knew. And throughout history, God progressively revealed more of Himself. This means we must not expect people to know what God had not revealed in their day.

In summary, read Job with cautious discernment—and do not base doctrine on anything that us not consistent with the rest of the Bible ad especially with Christ and the gospel.