Discover the biblical meaning behind Job’s trials. Was Job tested or tempted by God? Let’s study this topic from the Scriptures together.
My friend and I were talking about Job, and she mentioned that she felt God does not tempt us, so she believed Job must have been tested but not tempted by God. Another friend of mine asked why his friend and his friend’s sister had to drown in a flood. My response to him was that I do not know, but I am certain evil is never from God. He referenced the story of Job, and Job’s story has always been an interesting one for me. I studied Job extensively in 2024 and am starting the new year reading the Book of Job again.
With the knowledge of God’s word, we keep growing and getting better. However, we must continually study and trust God for revelational knowledge. In the eBook God Needs a Man, Job was a case study for understanding why evil happens to good and godly people. In this article, we will study Job in the context of whether he was tested or tempted by God.
Does God Test Man?
Before diving into this question, let’s understand what “test” and “temptation” mean. According to the Oxford Dictionary:
- Test: To examine someone’s ability or knowledge, often involving questions or activities to complete, much like exams in school.
- Temptation: Attracting or enticing someone to do something wrong, often with harmful consequences.
When a man is being tested, he either succeeds or fails, and in case of failure, there is always room for improvement. However, the aim of temptation is to lead a person astray or into destruction. Gospelway.com provides a clear distinction between “test” and “tempt.”
Genesis 22: Abraham’s Test
- Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied. - Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
- Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” - Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
- “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
Abraham’s fear and trust in God as his provider were tested. His willingness to let go of the most precious person in his life was examined. While reading through the story, we see Abraham’s assurance when he said, “God will provide a lamb for himself.” He also told his servant that he and Isaac would return together. Abraham trusted God, and this was the test. Note that God did not make Abraham kill his son because killing is a sin.
On the other hand, the devil tempted Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These are different scenarios:
- God tested Abraham to examine his trust and faith.
- The devil tempted Eve to lead her into disobedience and destruction.
From the story of Abraham, we observe that God can test a man. In Deuteronomy 13:3 (KJV), God told the children of Israel that their refusal to follow another god when deceived was proof (a test) to show if they loved the Lord their God.
Our daily obedience or disobedience serves as proof or a test from God. This determines whether we are growing in Him or not. When we recognize areas where we have failed, we can seek God’s help, and He is always willing to help us.
Temptation vs. Testing
Temptation leads to destruction, while testing refines us and helps us grow in our walk with God.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
James 1:13-15
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the word “temptation” (Greek: Peirasmos) refers to a test or trial. Paul explains that no test is unique to us, and God will not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear. He also assures us that God will provide a way of escape, just as He provided a ram for Abraham. It is like God giving us an exam and also providing the solution to the exam.
In James 1:13-15, the word “tempt” (Greek: Peirazo) is used differently. James emphasizes that God cannot tempt anyone with evil. Temptation in this context aligns with the dictionary definition—enticing someone to do something wrong.
These words have similar meanings in Greek (which include test, examine, proof, or trial), but their contextual usage in these two passages are different.
Conclusion
The testing of God produces patience and maturity, while temptation based on lust leads to sin and death. Although the words “test” and “tempt” are used interchangeably in the Bible, their meaning depends on context.
Yes, God tests men, and His tests are designed for our growth and benefit.