While rereading the saga of Job, I did some quick research into the character of his oft-maligned wife, and found many commentaries making reference to Job's unnamed wife as being used by Satan toward the downfall of Job, or at the least, being no help or support to her husband. But I also found the translation rendered "curse God and die" could also read "bless God and die", possibly being heartfelt advice to a beloved husband not admitting the depth of his trauma by thoughtlessly and perhaps dishonestly offering glib praise to God, thereby putting his integrity and possibly his life into grave danger. Like many Bible passages, much is left to the imagination.

Outside the house, much talking.
Men's voices raised, men's tears falling,
shouting and arm waving, wailing and calling,
arguing, praying, jumping up and walking,
wisdom of ages closely examined,
visions and dreams sought for clarification,
strong accusations and justification,
all in the face of sudden death, loss, and famine.
The women inside sit quietly weeping,
preparing the food for those still living,
a shoulder touched soothingly, hands busy giving,
friends kneading her bread, cleaning, and sweeping,
no words declaring a clear explanation,
sobs of distress into clean offered cloths,
meeting of teary eyes, comfort for loss,
shared pain in each breath, each sighed exhalation.
Blest be the LORD who giveth and taketh
In the LORD's hands the lives of all the LORD maketh.
-HJ, July 2011