“Fear the Lord” is often repeated in the Bible, especially in the book of Proverbs. “Shun evil” is also repeated though not as much. Job was a man who feared God and shunned evil (Job 1:1, 2:3, 28:28)
Fearing God and shunning evil is stated to be healthy for the body and nourishment to the bones. Yet what of Job whose body became infected with painful sores? (Job 2:7) Was fearing the Lord and shunning evil good for his body? Sure, the painful sores were only for a short time. Most of his life before and after was very pleasant for he lived wealthy. Yet, remembering the good times do not help when to body is in pain.
One key fact is that these verses do not state that God will bring health and nourishment. Rather these verses state humility, fearing the Lord, and shunning evil will. Job’s pain was caused by Satan, who was jealous of Job. The majority of Job’s life was prosperous because he was humble, feared the Lord, and shunned evil.
Ask Job after his health was restored what he thinks of his time of pain I am sure it is a mature response. “I did not like the pain and do not want such pain to return. Yet, through the pain, I met my maker and learned from him.” All are tested and pain usually accompanies the test. This does not take away from the statement here, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” In fact, from a certain perspective, it proves it is true that the faithful makes proper choices through both prosperity and pain.
