Food Without Salt (5/11/2025)

“Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?” (Job 6:6).

In the midst of his suffering, Job has listened to Eliphaz reproach him for his frustrations with God and even his doubts about God instead of providing the encouragement Job feels he needs.

The metaphors in this verse lead us to believe that Job feels God has unfairly persecuted him. Job has already said his grief has not been “fully weighed”—that its full weight has not been considered—and that it is “heavier than sand.” Of course, his troubles have come from Satan, not from God.

“Flavorless food” seems to represent Job’s life, and “salt” seems to represent God, both items indicating Job feels the calamities that have destroyed his life indicate God is no longer with him. While Job has not turned against God, he blames God and has serious questions for God about his suffering. 

Job’s conclusions are not unlike those of some people today who have a problem and immediately want to blame God. God has promised us He will not be the source of our troubles and He will not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear. A continuing awareness of this promise will keep us from making the same mistake Job did.