When faced with profound tragedy, a person's quiet acceptance might not stem from a pure love for God, but rather from a deep, selfish instinct for survival. This cynical view of human nature forms the core of the argument against Job's initial display of faith. The claim is built on a metaphor about human reflex: a person will naturally sacrifice one part of their body to protect a more vital, sensitive area. For instance, if a sword or a heavy blow is aimed at a person's head or eyes, they will instinctively raise an arm, allowing the skin of their hand to absorb the strike in order to save their life [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא, אלשיך, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The imagery of skin is used because it serves as a natural shield and barrier, protecting the flesh beneath it from severe harm [תקות אנוש].
While the primary approach among commentators focuses on sacrificing one's own limbs, other perspectives expand this concept. Some suggest that a person is willing to offer up the physical well-being of someone else—even sacrificing their own children—if it ensures their own survival [רמב״ן, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another approach views humanity as being covered by two distinct layers: a biological body and an outer layer consisting of clothing and property. In times of danger, a person will gladly abandon their external possessions to protect the actual body attached to their bones [מלבי״ם].
From this basic instinct, a logical conclusion is drawn regarding human behavior. If an individual is willing to endure harm to one part of their body to save another, they will certainly surrender everything external to them—such as their wealth and even their family—to preserve their own life [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אלשיך]. Therefore, Job's calm and righteous response to his losses is not viewed as proof of his devotion. Instead, the argument suggests that Job secretly believes he is guilty and deserving of death. When he sees that only his wealth and children have been taken, he views their loss as a ransom that spares his own life. Consequently, he accepts the tragedy without true sorrow, relieved that he himself was spared [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אלשיך].
Because the trials have only struck the external circles of Job's life, his true motivations remain unclear. It has not yet been proven whether he serves God out of genuine love. To truly test the depth of his faith, he must face the ultimate hardship: direct, agonizing harm to his own body. Physical suffering and bodily pain are far more difficult for a person to endure than the loss of any wealth or property [מלבי״ם, תקות אנוש, ביאור שטיינזלץ].