Job . The most serious critique of formulas-for-successful-living is found in Job.

4. Job. The most serious critique of formulas-for-successful-living is found in Job. Consigned to an ash heap through sickness, the death of his family, and a complete loss of livelihood, Job and his so-called companions argue over why he is suffering. Job's "friends" follow the formula that suffering is due to sin. But, as the readers know, Job is not punished for any wrong; in fact, it is because Job is so blameless and upright (Job 1:1, 1:8, 2:3) that God has allowed his suffering. Many people read the book of Job looking for the answer to the question why God allows suffering, but when God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, in chapters 38-42, God does not answer Job why he suffered. Therefore, some scholars have suggested instead that the main question in the book of Job is the one posed by the satan in Job 1:9, "Does Job fear God for nothing?" In other words, why is Job motivated to live such a virtuous life? Is the only motivation for virtue the reward that a person receives? Why be virtuous, if there is no personal gain? What do you think: are people motivated to be virtuous only out of reward (or fear of punishment)? Do you know of people who "fear God for nothing"? Please give your answers to these questions, about "fearing God for nothing".