Job 23:2 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book of Job, Job is feeling very sad and upset because he thinks that the troubles he is facing are even worse than he can express. He is telling God how hard it is to go through such tough times.

Contradiction with Psalm 34:17

This verse says that the righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles, contradicting Job 23:2 where Job feels his complaint is bitter and that God is not listening to him.

Psalm 34:17: [The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Contradiction with James 5:11

This verse states that we count those happy which endure and references the patience of Job, suggesting a commendation rather than expressing a bitter complaint, contrasting Job's own expression in Job 23:2.

James 5:11: Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Contradiction with Romans 8:28

This verse asserts that all things work together for good to those who love God, which contradicts Job's feeling of unresolved bitterness and injustice in Job 23:2.

Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10

This verse encourages not to fear for God is with you and will strengthen you, conflicting with Job’s sentiment of experiencing bitterness and a sense of distance from God in Job 23:2.

Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 5:7

This verse encourages casting all anxieties on God because He cares, which contradicts the sense of unresolved bitterness expressed by Job in 23:2.

1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Contradiction with Psalm 55:22

This verse advises casting burdens upon the LORD, who will sustain, contrasting with Job’s continued feeling of heaviness and bitterness in his complaint that is not yet resolved.

Psalm 55:22: Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. [burden: or, gift]

Paradox #1

Job 23:2 reflects Job's deep frustration and sense of injustice over his suffering, expressing a conflict between his faith in God's goodness and the harsh reality of his personal pain. This can highlight a contradiction where a belief in a just and caring divine power clashes with the lived experience of unexplained, profound suffering.