Job 17:10

But come back and try again, all of you. For I will not find a wise man among you.

Study Bible

But come back, all of you, now
In this phrase, Job is addressing his friends, who have been offering him counsel throughout his suffering. The Hebrew root for "come back" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or turn back. This word is often used in the context of repentance or returning to God. Here, Job is sarcastically inviting his friends to return, perhaps to reconsider their stance or to try again in their attempts to comfort him. Historically, this reflects the cultural practice of friends and family gathering around someone in distress, offering support and advice, though in Job's case, their advice has been more accusatory than comforting.

I will not find a wise man among you
The term "wise man" in Hebrew is "חָכָם" (chakam), which denotes someone who is skilled in wisdom, often associated with understanding and insight that comes from God. Job's lament here is that despite their attempts to counsel him, his friends lack true wisdom. This reflects a broader biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God and is often contrasted with human understanding. In the context of the Book of Job, this statement underscores the inadequacy of human wisdom in comprehending divine purposes, especially in the face of suffering. Job's assertion is a poignant reminder of the limitations of human reasoning and the need for divine revelation and understanding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and loss. He is known for his unwavering faith in God despite his trials.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up arguing with him, insisting that his suffering must be due to some sin he has committed.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

4. God's Sovereignty
A recurring theme in the Book of Job, highlighting God's ultimate control and wisdom over all creation, even when human understanding falls short.

5. Suffering and Wisdom
The broader context of Job's discourse, where he grapples with the nature of suffering and the search for true wisdom.

Teaching Points

The Search for True Wisdom
True wisdom is not found in human reasoning alone but in the fear of the Lord and understanding His ways.

The Role of Friends in Times of Suffering
Friends should offer support and comfort, not judgment or simplistic explanations for complex situations.

God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when circumstances are difficult to understand.

The Importance of Discernment
Discernment is crucial in evaluating advice and counsel from others, ensuring it aligns with God's truth.

Perseverance in Faith
Like Job, maintain faith and integrity even when surrounded by misunderstanding or false accusations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's statement in Job 17:10 reflect his view of his friends' counsel, and what does this teach us about seeking wisdom?

2. In what ways can we ensure that the advice we give or receive is rooted in godly wisdom rather than human understanding?

3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in the Book of Job provide comfort in times of personal suffering?

4. What role should friends play in supporting someone who is suffering, according to biblical principles?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Job's perseverance to our own lives when facing trials and challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 1:7
This verse emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, contrasting with Job's assertion that he finds no wisdom among his friends.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault, highlighting the source of true wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:25
Discusses the wisdom of God as being greater than human wisdom, aligning with Job's critique of his friends' understanding.