Page "Book of Job" Paragraph 53

Maimonides, a twelfth century rabbi, discusses Job in his work The Guide for the Perplexed.

According to Maimonides ( III 22 – 23 ), each of Job's friends represents famous, distinct schools of thought concerning God and divine providence.

According to Maimonides, the correct view of providence lies with Elihu, who teaches Job that one must examine his religion ().

This view corresponds with the notion that " the only worthy religion in the world is an examined religion.

" A habit religion, such as that originally practiced by Job, is never enough.

One has to look deep into the meaning of religion in order to fully appreciate it and make it a genuine part of one's life.

Elihu believed in the concepts of divine providence, rewards to individuals, as well as punishments.

He believed, according to Maimonides, that one has to practice religion in a rational way.

The more one investigates religion, the more he will be rewarded or find it rewarding.

In the beginning, Job was an unexamining, pious man, not a philosopher, and he did not have providence.

He was unwise, simply grateful for what he had.

God, according to Elihu, did not single out Job for punishment, but rather abandoned him and let him be dealt with by natural, unfriendly forces.