Books Quote by Tremper Longman III
![“Thus one of the important contributions of the book of Job (as well as Ecclesiastes)[108] is to undermine the idea that retribution theology works absolutely and mechanically. Sometimes sin does lead to negative consequences, but not always. Similarly, sometimes proper behavior leads to positive…” quote by Tremper Longman III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5e/tremper-longman-iii-24719_books_thus-one-of-the-important-contributions_1279322.jpg)
““Thus one of the important contributions of the book of Job (as well as Ecclesiastes)[108] is to undermine the idea that retribution theology works absolutely and mechanically. Sometimes sin does lead to negative consequences, but not always. Similarly, sometimes proper behavior leads to positive outcomes, but not always. Job serves as an example to warn against judging others on the basis of their situation in life. But Job himself never receives an answer to the question of why he has suffered. At the end of the book, after hearing and seeing God, he submits to God’s greater power and wisdom.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Job (Biblical), 6th century BC
Job illustrates that moral cause and effect are not absolute; suffering and reward are not always linked to behavior.
In simple terms: Good and bad outcomes aren't always tied to actions.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty in life's fairness.
Themes
faith
suffering
justice
humility
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal loss
- career setbacks
- health crises
Key Concepts
theodicy
divine mystery
human suffering
Questions to Reflect On
- What does Job teach about judging others?
- How do you cope with unfair outcomes?
A Different Perspective
The quote may oversimplify theological debate; not all traditions see Job similarly.
![“Job is a wisdom book. But not all wisdom books are alike.[42] Proverbs contains instructional literature (discourses and proverbs) that encourage wise behavior by connecting (but not guaranteeing) rewards with such behavior. Ecclesiastes contains the autobiography of a man who has sought for…” quote by Tremper Longman III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b1e/tremper-longman-iii-24719_book_job-is-a-wisdom-book-but-not-all-wisdom_1395070.jpg)
![“The presence of [precious] materials in the wilderness can be explained only as a result of the so-called plundering of the Egyptians (Ex. 12:33-35). In this way God provided the materials for his own house.” quote by Tremper Longman III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f1c/tremper-longman-iii-24719_nature_the-presence-of-precious-materials-in-th_629368.jpg)
