God treated Job severely because he wanted Job to be more useful for Him. Those whom God intends to use most significantly, He often treats with particular care. The training for those who are to be placed in the front line of battle is all the more intensive and painstaking. Those who are called to follow the King most closely need not wonder if they, too, become targets for the enemy's fire. Pain thus becomes a training ground for further usefulness.
Trials are dangerous times for our souls.
Job has said things which he ought never to have said. Trials do not contain within themselves the guarantee of spiritual benefit. Our response to them is crucial. Watchfulness and prayerfulness are the key to ensuring a good outcome. Of the three crosses at Calvary, one atoned, another sanctified, and just as surely, the third hardened.