By Michael C. Mack

1. What do you think is worse: the conviction of an innocent person or the acquittal of a guilty person? Why? 

Read Job 19:1-7, 23-29.

2. As you look at Job’s response to his so-called friends, what do you sense he was feeling? Where do you see emotions of anger? hurt? outrage? desperation? resolve? hope? vindication? passion? 

3. What does this passage indicate to you about the law of cause and effect: that is, good things happen to good people and bad things are the consequences for bad people? (See John 9:1-4.)

4. Why would Job want his words to be permanently preserved?

5. What do you learn from Job about faith even in the midst of great suffering? 

6. Job was certain that God, his redeemer, would someday vindicate him and that he would even see him. How much more certainty of our redeemer can Christ followers have today? 

7. Like Job, our lives and our faith can be full of many ups and downs. What can you do to maintain your faith and integrity, whether you are experiencing a high or low in life?

Michael Mack is the author of 16 small group books and discussion guides. He also leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).