The Book of Job explores what is known as "the retribution principle." In the ancient world, it was believed that the material circumstances of your life were a direct result of how you chose to live. If you were righteous, then you received good things. If you were wicked, you would receive suffering and hardship. This was the view adopted by Job's friends. They believe that the suffering in Job's life is a direct result of some sort of hidden wickedness. However, Job contends that he has alway