Is there fairness and justice in life? What are we to do or say when a genuinely good person is overwhelmed by appalling disasters?

Such a character was Job - a man who was wise, compassionate and historic, yet who suffered desperate tragedy. In this explanation of suffering Robert Fyall points out that the story of Job is about real human experience - someone 'sitting on an ash heap in harsh and bitter agony and loneliness.'

Why did God permit such a fate?

In answering this question the author brings help to all who wonder at the fairness and justice of God. He also shows how the life of Job gives real hope to all of us - demonstrating as it does the goodness of God and his power over the forces of darkness.

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'This lively thought-provoking book was a great help to me when I first grew interested in the riches of the book of Job. It is rooted in solid scholarship but written in an accessible style. I am so glad it is being republished.'

Christopher Ash

Writer in Residence, Tyndale House, Cambridge; author of Job: The Wisdom of the Cross (Crossway, 2014) and Out of the Storm: Grappling with God in the book of Job (IVP, 2004).

'Careful biblical interpretation at its best: wisdom, insight, pathos, challenge and encouragement - and all from one priceless book of the Bible persuasively interpreted from beginning to end. Add to this pearls of wisdom (dropped it seems, almost in passing) which helps us to study the Bible better for ourselves, as well as insights which will help us to live the Christian life more consistently - and here you have a book of great value. How God Treats His Friends is a must-buy.'

Sinclair B. Ferguson

Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, USA and Preaching Associate, Trinity Church, Aberdeen, UK.

'Bob's writing on Job is both theologically profound and insightfully connected with Christian experience. In difficult personal circumstances, I found his treatment of creatureliness and evil little short of life-saving. You won't regret interacting with this book.'

Andy Gemmill

Director of the Pastors' Training Course, Co-Director of the Cornhill Training Course, Cornhill Scotland