E. Job’s Illness and Reaction (2:7-10)

Job does not yield to his wife’s advice as did Adam. He characterizes her as foolish. This is not a reflection on her intelligence but rather on her moral and spiritual deficiency (Rowley, 37). The masculine form of this word (foolish) is used to designate the fool who suggests that God does not figure in the affairs of this life (Ps 14:1). As far as Job’s wife is concerned, Job’s integrity is of no value in the eyes of God. It has not protected him against adversity. Job counters by stating that it is appropriate to receive not only good from God but trouble.