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 and try again, all of you.
In this phrase, Job is addressing his friends, who have been attempting to counsel him throughout his suffering. The invitation to "come back and try again" suggests a sense of irony or sarcasm, as Job has grown weary of their repeated attempts to explain his suffering through their limited understanding. This reflects the cultural context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, where dialogue and debate were common methods of exploring truth. Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, represent traditional wisdom, which often equated suffering with personal sin. Job's challenge to them highlights the inadequacy of their counsel and the need for a deeper understanding of God's ways, which is a recurring theme in the book.

For I will not find a wise man among you.
Here, Job expresses his disappointment in his friends' inability to provide true wisdom. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and understanding His purposes (Proverbs 9:10). Job's statement underscores the failure of human wisdom when it is disconnected from divine insight. This connects to other scriptures, such as 1 Corinthians 1:25, which contrasts human wisdom with God's wisdom. Job's search for a "wise man" foreshadows the ultimate revelation of wisdom in Jesus Christ, who embodies the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). The phrase also reflects the broader theme of the book of Job, which challenges simplistic explanations of suffering and points to the complexity of God's governance of the world.

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.