Job 37:24
Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart."
Therefore, men fear Him
The word "therefore" serves as a conclusion to the preceding discourse, particularly Elihu's speech about God's majesty and power in nature. The Hebrew root for "fear" is "yare," which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect, not merely terror. This fear is a recognition of God's supreme authority and holiness. In the context of the ancient Near East, fear of deities was common, but the fear of Yahweh is distinct because it is rooted in a relationship with a just and loving God. This reverence is a foundational aspect of wisdom literature, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."

for He is not partial
The phrase "not partial" comes from the Hebrew "lo nasa panim," which literally means "does not lift up faces." This idiom indicates impartiality and fairness. In the ancient world, partiality was often shown by rulers and judges, but God is depicted as the ultimate just judge who shows no favoritism. This aligns with Deuteronomy 10:17, which describes God as one who "shows no partiality and accepts no bribes." It reassures believers that God's judgments are righteous and equitable.

to the wise in heart
The "wise in heart" refers to those who possess understanding and insight. The Hebrew word for "wise" is "chakam," which implies skill and discernment. In biblical terms, wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply connected to moral and spiritual understanding. The phrase suggests that human wisdom, no matter how profound, does not influence God's justice. This is a humbling reminder that God's wisdom far surpasses human understanding, as echoed in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours. The "wise in heart" are called to submit to God's greater wisdom, acknowledging that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, Job is the central figure in the Book of Job. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, which lead to profound discussions about God's nature and justice.

2. Elihu
A young man who speaks in the latter part of the Book of Job, offering his perspective on Job's suffering and God's majesty. Job 37 is part of Elihu's discourse.

3. God
The Almighty Creator, whose wisdom and power are beyond human understanding. Elihu emphasizes God's greatness and the appropriate human response of reverence.

4. The Wise in Heart
Refers to those who consider themselves wise or understanding. Elihu points out that God's wisdom surpasses human wisdom.

5. Fear of the Lord
A recurring theme in the Bible, representing reverence, awe, and respect for God's power and holiness.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God
Recognize that true wisdom begins with a deep reverence for God. Our understanding is limited, and we must approach God with humility and awe.

God's Impartiality
Understand that God is not impressed by human wisdom or status. He values a heart that seeks Him sincerely over intellectual prowess.

Humility in Wisdom
Embrace humility in our pursuit of wisdom. Acknowledge that our knowledge is incomplete and that we need God's guidance.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Trust that God's ways are perfect, even when we do not understand them. His wisdom and plans are beyond our comprehension.

Practical Fear of the Lord
Cultivate a lifestyle that reflects the fear of the Lord through obedience, worship, and a commitment to live according to His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fear of the Lord influence your daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your life?

3. How does understanding God's impartiality towards human wisdom affect your view of success and achievement?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your pursuit of wisdom is aligned with God's will?

5. How can you apply the concept of God's sovereignty to a current situation in your life where you lack understanding?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 1:7
This verse highlights the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, connecting to the idea that true wisdom starts with reverence for God.

James 3:13-18
Discusses the difference between earthly wisdom and wisdom from above, emphasizing humility and purity, which aligns with the idea that God is not partial to human wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:25
Paul speaks about the wisdom of God being greater than human wisdom, reinforcing the message that God's ways are higher than ours.
Man and GodHomilistJob 37:19-24
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Cause, Conceit, Doesn't, Fear, Heart, Regard, Regardeth, Respect, Respecteth, Revere, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:23-24

     8334   reverence, and God's nature

Library
Whether the Heavens Should have Been Opened unto Christ at his Baptism?
Objection 1: It would seem that the heavens should not have been opened unto Christ at His baptism. For the heavens should be opened unto one who needs to enter heaven, by reason of his being out of heaven. But Christ was always in heaven, according to Jn. 3:13: "The Son of Man who is in heaven." Therefore it seems that the heavens should not have been opened unto Him. Objection 2: Further, the opening of the heavens is understood either in a corporal or in a spiritual sense. But it cannot be understood
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether by Reason of this Subtlety a Glorified Body is Able to be in the Same Place with Another Body not Glorified?
Objection 1: It would seem that by reason of this subtlety a body is able to be in the same place with another body not glorified. For according to Phil. 3:21, "He will reform the body of our lowness made like to the body of His glory." Now the body of Christ was able to be in the same place with another body, as appears from the fact that after His Resurrection He went in to His disciples, the doors being shut (Jn. 20:19, 26). Therefore also the glorified bodies by reason of their subtlety will
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen?
Objection 1: It would seem that those to whom Christ's birth was made known were not suitably chosen. For our Lord (Mat. 10:5) commanded His disciples, "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles," so that He might be made known to the Jews before the Gentiles. Therefore it seems that much less should Christ's birth have been at once revealed to the Gentiles who "came from the east," as stated Mat. 2:1. Objection 2: Further, the revelation of Divine truth should be made especially to the friends of God,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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