Job 29:21

Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my counsel.

Study Bible

Men listened to me
In this phrase, Job reflects on a time when he was held in high esteem and his counsel was sought after. The Hebrew root for "listened" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing, but an attentive and obedient listening. This suggests that Job's words carried weight and authority, resonating with those who heard him. Historically, this reflects a period when Job was a respected leader, possibly a judge or elder, whose wisdom was acknowledged by his community.

and waited
The word "waited" comes from the Hebrew "יָחַל" (yachal), which conveys a sense of hope and expectation. This indicates that people not only listened to Job but also anticipated his guidance with eagerness and trust. It paints a picture of a community that valued his insights and looked forward to his judgments, highlighting the respect and confidence they had in his leadership.

and kept silence
The phrase "kept silence" is derived from the Hebrew "חָרַשׁ" (charash), meaning to be silent or to hold one's peace. This silence is not merely the absence of noise but a respectful pause, allowing Job's words to be fully absorbed and considered. It underscores the reverence and seriousness with which his audience regarded his speech, emphasizing the impact and authority of his presence.

for my counsel
The term "counsel" is translated from the Hebrew "עֵצָה" (etsah), which refers to advice, purpose, or plan. Job's counsel was not just casual advice but was seen as wise and purposeful, offering direction and clarity. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the biblical value placed on wisdom and godly counsel, as seen in Proverbs and other wisdom literature. Job's ability to provide such counsel was a testament to his righteousness and understanding, qualities that were highly esteemed in the ancient Near Eastern culture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He was a wealthy and respected figure in his community before experiencing severe trials.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up debating with him about the reasons for his suffering.

3. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.

4. Job's Community
The people who respected Job and sought his wisdom and counsel, as described in this verse.

5. God
The ultimate authority and source of wisdom, who later speaks to Job out of the whirlwind.

Teaching Points

The Value of Godly Wisdom
Job was respected for his wisdom, which was rooted in his fear of God. We should seek to cultivate godly wisdom in our lives by studying Scripture and seeking God's guidance.

The Power of Listening
The people waited silently for Job's counsel, demonstrating the importance of listening before speaking. In our interactions, we should prioritize listening to understand others and to hear God's voice.

The Influence of a Righteous Life
Job's life and character earned him respect and influence. Our conduct should reflect our faith, earning us the trust and respect of those around us.

The Role of Counsel in Community
Job's role as a counselor highlights the importance of wise and godly counsel within a community. We should seek and offer counsel that aligns with biblical principles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's role as a counselor reflect the biblical principle of seeking wisdom from God? Consider how this applies to your own life.

2. In what ways can we cultivate a listening attitude like those who waited for Job's counsel? How does this impact our relationships?

3. Reflect on a time when you sought or offered counsel. How did it align with the principles found in Job 29:21 and other related scriptures?

4. How can we ensure that our lives reflect the righteousness and integrity that earned Job respect and influence in his community?

5. What steps can you take to become a source of godly wisdom and counsel in your own community or circle of influence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 1:5
This verse speaks about the wise increasing in learning and seeking counsel, which connects to Job's role as a wise counselor.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, highlighting the value of divine counsel, similar to how people sought Job's advice.

Ecclesiastes 9:17
This verse emphasizes the value of quiet words of wisdom, paralleling the silent expectation of Job's counsel.