Why Do Good People Suffer? A Jewish Perspective on Pain, Faith, and Divine Providence

In the verses of the Bible and the teachings of our Sages, we find many explanations for suffering and hardship in the world. However, as stated, we do not know which reason applies to any specific individual case. Following are some of the possible reasons:

• Cleansing and refinement from the stains of sins committed in this lifetime.

• Cleansing and refinement from the stains of sins committed in previous incarnations.

• A spiritual shock meant to break a person out of routine, awakening them to a new perspective on life that leads to spiritual elevation in their service of God.

• Suffering that ultimately comes as a benefit due to a good deed. For example, there is the story of a woman who, according to the decree at her birth, was destined to die at a young age. Because she and her husband were exceptionally generous with charity, Eliyahu HaNavi was sent to test them one final time. When they passed the test, their cow died in her place. Naturally, had they not known this, they would have been bewildered: how could it be that after fulfilling the mitzvah of charity with such devotion, their only cow — their sole source of livelihood, died? They did not realize that this loss was, in truth, their salvation, granted in the merit of the mitzvah.

• A temporary loss that lays the foundation for a great future gain.

• A righteous person who suffers for the sins of the generation. Since all of Israel is considered one body, the suffering of a righteous individual greatly diminishes the burden of the nation’s sins. His reward is immense, for many are saved from death and severe suffering through him. Therefore, these sufferings are ultimately a benefit to him.

• Many other reasons. Human wisdom is limited and does not allow a person to understand the true reason behind their personal suffering. As the Torah states: “The hidden things belong to the Lord our God.”
  Rabbeinu Bachya explains in Chovot HaLevavot that this verse teaches that a person cannot know the specific reason for their own suffering, but they can know with certainty that there is a valid reason for everything they experience — and that everything is ultimately for the good. As the Sages say in the Talmud: “A person should always accustom himself to say: Everything that the Merciful One does, He does for good.”

Doing One’s Part: Effort Before Acceptance

In order to reach a clear and rational internal acceptance of these ideas, a person must first examine whether they have done the reasonable natural effort required of them in that area — such as seeking medical treatment when ill, searching for a spouse when delayed in building a family, seeking employment when facing financial hardship, and the like.

If a person determines that they have indeed done their reasonable part according to natural means, yet the problem remains unresolved, they should internalize that the delay and suffering are beneficial — even if they cannot yet see how. At that point, they will not only cease to resent their difficulties, but will come to love them and rejoice in them. This is the secret behind the happiness and joy of the great Torah scholars and people of refined character, in every situation and at all times.

The Four Foundations of Faith

This understanding can be reached logically and intellectually through a four-level framework of awareness and recognition:

1. There is a Creator of the world.

2. Everything is under His supervision; nothing is random.

3. He loves His creations, and desires only our good.

4. He is unlimited in His abilities.

Once these four principles are fully internalized, the person who is suffering should ask themselves: “If I know these truths, why does my loving Creator not fulfill my will? He is not limited! The One who creates existence from nothing and brings forth the immense fiery orb called the sun every morning can certainly solve my problems effortlessly. If He desires my good, why does He not do so?”

The Only True Answer

Because in His infinite wisdom and His knowledge of the future, He knows that in the end, the benefit will be entirely mine.

I am merely like a small child who does not understand why his father insists that he attend school rather than play all day. The father’s wisdom far exceeds that of the child; his perspective is vastly broader, and he knows what the child’s future would look like if guided only by childish understanding.

If this is true of a human father, how much more so of our Father in Heaven, who knows what is truly best for me — especially considering that this world is fleeting and temporary, mere vanity of vanities.

From a higher and truer perspective, my worries and troubles are no more significant than the anguish of a child crying bitterly over a paper boat that sank in a basin of water. One day, I too will grow and understand that the matter causing me such pain was nothing more than an illusion.

By speaking this way to oneself repeatedly, the pain gradually subsides. And if a person trains themselves to adopt this perspective during minor difficulties in good times, then even if major hardships arise (God forbid), they will already be prepared and equipped to withstand the battle without collapsing into emotional crisis.

True Wealth: Joy in One’s Portion

A person who builds their life on this worldview lives in constant joy and happiness. Externally, they may appear surrounded by suffering and hardship, yet inwardly they are whole, content, and fulfilled.

Our Sages taught that one who lives by this outlook is happy with their portion. Even if they lack wealth and are considered poor in the eyes of the world, in truth they are the genuinely rich person.

Wealth is relative. If a person with a million dollars tosses and turns in bed out of worry and jealousy because he lacks a private jet like his friend, then in essence he is poor — for poverty is defined by a sense of lack. Conversely, one who rejoices in what they have, even if they lack money, is rich — because the feeling of inner fullness defines true wealth.

The Story of Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli

It is told that once, students of the Maggid of Mezritch asked their teacher to explain the teaching of the Sages: A person must bless God for the bad just as they bless Him for the good — and that this should be done with joy. How can one reach such a level?

The Maggid replied: “Go to my student, Rabbi Zusha, and he will answer you.”

They went and found Rabbi Zusha living in extreme poverty, barely sustaining himself, dressed in worn clothing — yet filled with joy and serving God with tremendous enthusiasm. When he heard their question, he was astonished and said:

“I do not understand why the rabbi sent you to me. God has done only good for me, and nothing bad has ever happened to me.”

Perspective Creates Reality

Wealth or poverty does not depend on the amount of money one has, but on how a person relates to their situation. One who knows that they are constantly under the loving supervision of the Creator — who gives them what is truly good for them, naturally becomes joyful with their portion.