What does the Bible say about afflictions?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that afflictions are real and grievous, yet they remain under God’s wise and sovereign rule, serving his purposes of correction, humility, and faith. Job 5:17 calls the Lord’s discipline blessed, urging believers not to despise his chastening. Psalms 66:11 and 80:5 portray God’s people enduring hard burdens and tears, while Micah 6:9 calls them to hear the rod with reverence. Isaiah 45:7 and Amos 3:6 affirm that calamity does not escape God’s providence, though he is never the author of sin. In Christ, afflicted believers may trust that God’s fatherly hand is righteous, purposeful, and ultimately ordered for their good.

Study outline

Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

God appoints 2 Kings 6:33; Job 5:6; Job 5:17; Psalms 66:11; Amos 3:6; Micah 6:9
God dispenses, as He will Job 11:10; Isaiah 10:15; Isaiah 45:7
God regulates the measure of Psalms 80:5; Isaiah 9:1; Jeremiah 46:28
God determines the continuance of Genesis 15:13; Genesis 15:14; Numbers 14:33; Isaiah 10:25; Jeremiah 29:10
God does not willingly send Lamentations 3:33
Man is born to Job 5:6; Job 5:7; Job 14:1
Saints appointed to 1 Thessalonians 3:3
Consequent upon the fall Genesis 3:16-19
Sin produces Job 4:8; Job 20:11; Proverbs 1:31
Sin visited with 2 Samuel 12:14; Psalms 89:30-32; Isaiah 57:17; Acts 13:10; Acts 13:11
Often severe Job 16:7-16; Psalms 42:7; Psalms 66:12; Jonah 2:3; Revelation 7:14
Always less than we deserve Ezra 9:13; Psalms 103:10
Frequently terminate in good Genesis 50:20; Exodus 1:11; Exodus 1:12; Deuteronomy 8:15; Deuteronomy 8:16; Jeremiah 24:5; Jeremiah 24:6; Ezekiel 20:37
Tempered with mercy Psalms 78:38; Psalms 78:39; Psalms 106:43-46; Isaiah 30:18-21; Lamentations 3:32; Micah 7:7-9; Nahum 1:12
Saints are to expect John 16:33; Acts 14:22
Of saints, are comparatively light Acts 20:23; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17
Of saints, are but temporary Psalms 30:5; Psalms 103:9; Isaiah 54:7; Isaiah 54:8; John 16:20; 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Peter 5:10
Saints have joy under Job 5:17; James 5:11
Of saints, end in joy and blessedness Psalms 126:5; Psalms 126:6; Isaiah 61:2; Isaiah 61:3; Matthew 5:4; 1 Peter 4:13; 1 Peter 4:14
Often arise from the profession of the gospel Matthew 24:9; John 15:21; 2 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 3:12
Exhibit the love and faithfulness of God Deuteronomy 8:5; Psalms 119:75; Proverbs 3:12; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:6; Hebrews 12:7; Revelation 3:19

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about afflictions and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about afflictions