In the dialogue between Job and his three friends, the writer of the book of Job engages us in a deep reflection on the mystery of suffering. There are several profound differences between Job and his three friends. The most obvious difference is that his friends insist on a connection between suffering and sin, whereas Job insists on his innocence. In the worldview attested in much of the Old Testament, suffering is a punishment for sin. Therefore if there is suffering, there has certainly been sin, for God is just and could not make an innocent person suffer. This is all very logical, very black and white, and very far outside human experience. Since Job maintains his innocence, the whole book finally focuses on the mystery of the suffering of the innocent.

Another major dramatic difference between Job and his friends is that while Job talks to God, his friends only talk about God. They are locked in discussion of a problem whereas Job is drawn by the mystery to a deeper communication with God. Problems can be discussed and dissected, and then eventually solved, whereas mystery runs far beyond the reach of logic and calls us to worship in faith. Logic will fail us while prayer illuminates our hearts.