his life that he has been assured unmitigated blessing. All other fortunes have been denied entrance to his domain. If, however, God would remove this protective border and “stretch out” the hand to afflict Job rather than to protect him, the satan wagers that Job would respond in kind. When blessed, Job will bless. And when cursed, Job will curse. [CD: “A Rich Man’s Piety Stinks”] The satan’s questions are double-edged probes. On the one hand, they invite scrutiny of Job’s piety. Suffering, the