6 One day the heavenly beings [1] came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan [2] also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, [3] "Where have you come from?" Satan [3] answered the Lord, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." 8 The Lord said to Satan, [5] "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil." 9 Then Satan [6] answered the Lord, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." 12 The Lord said to Satan, [7] "Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!" So Satan [7] went out from the presence of the Lord.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 1:6-12
Commentary on Job 1:6-12
(Read Job 1:6-12)
Job's afflictions began from the malice of Satan, by the Lord's permission, for wise and holy purposes. There is an evil spirit, the enemy of God, and of all righteousness, who is continually seeking to distress, to lead astray, and, if possible, to destroy those who love God. How far his influence may extend, we cannot say; but probably much unsteadiness and unhappiness in Christians may be ascribed to him. While we are on this earth we are within his reach. Hence it concerns us to be sober and vigilant, Revelation 20:1. He has no power to lead men to sin, but what they give him themselves; nor any power to afflict men, but what is given him from above. All this is here described to us after the manner of men. The Scripture speaks thus to teach us that God directs the affairs of the world.