The answer is: His birth

Job 3:1 - Job wished he had never been born

In the Book of Job, the angst of Job is palpable from the very first chapter, but it culminates in his stunning lament in chapter 3. Imagine this: a man who was once the wealthiest and most revered in the land, all unraveling with the snap of a finger! Through unimaginable losses – his wealth, children, and health – Job's overwhelming grief brings him to question the very reason for his existence.

His lamentation over birth reflects a profound human experience, one that taps into the core of our encounters with suffering. It’s easy to romanticize birth as an inherently joyful event, yet Job confronts the darker angles of existence, wishing that darkness had overshadowed the day he entered this world. There’s something striking here: in many religious narratives, lament is a catalyst for connection—consider the Psalms, which often express deep sorrow before a shift toward hope and assurance.

Interestingly, Job’s dialogue suggests he isn't just a victim; he rather takes part in a cosmic debate about the nature of good and evil. This philosophical undertone resonates throughout human history across various cultures—grappling with why bad things happen to good people. And one might find echoes of Job's plight in literature and art through the ages, illustrating a timeless need to reconcile hardship and existence. In essence, Job invites readers to explore deep moral dilemmas and, ultimately, the persistence of hope amid despair.