Job 11:6 - that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
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What does "Job 11:6" mean?
This verse from Job 11:6 is part of a speech by Zophar, one of Job's friends. He is attempting to explain Job's suffering and convince him that he must be doing something wrong to deserve it. Let's break down the verse:
"That he would show you the secrets of wisdom!" This is Zophar's wish or hope that God would reveal true understanding and insight to Job. Zophar believes that Job is lacking wisdom, and that's why he is unable to comprehend his situation.
"For true wisdom has two sides." This is the key to understanding Zophar's point. He is suggesting that wisdom isn't just about one thing. It has a depth and complexity that Job isn't grasping. The "two sides" are often interpreted as:
God's perspective vs. human perspective: God sees the whole picture, while humans only see a limited view.
Understanding God's justice vs. understanding human limitations: God's justice may not always be clear to us, but it is ultimately just.
The wisdom of suffering vs. the wisdom of prosperity: Suffering can teach valuable lessons that prosperity cannot.
"Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves." This is the most controversial part of the verse. Zophar is essentially accusing Job of being more sinful than he realizes. He argues that Job's suffering, severe as it is, is actually less than what he deserves based on his hidden wickedness. This implies that Job is being punished for sins he is unaware of.
In Summary:
Zophar is suggesting that Job's suffering is a result of his hidden sins and that God is being merciful by not punishing him even more severely. He believes that if Job were truly wise, he would understand this and repent.
Important Considerations:
Context is Crucial: It's important to remember that Zophar is wrong. The book of Job ultimately reveals that Job is not being punished for specific sins.
Theodicy (Justifying God): Zophar is trying to defend God's justice (theodicy) by claiming that suffering is always deserved. However, the book of Job challenges this simplistic view.
Misguided Comfort: Zophar's words are not comforting to Job. Instead, they are accusatory and judgmental, adding to Job's pain and confusion.
Theological Significance:
This verse highlights the common (but ultimately flawed) human tendency to assume that suffering is always a direct result of sin. The book of Job challenges this assumption and explores the complex and mysterious nature of suffering. It suggests that sometimes, bad things happen to good people, and the reasons for suffering may not always be clear to us. It is a test of faith and trust in God's wisdom and ultimate goodness.
Job 11:6 - that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
What does "Job 11:6" mean?
This verse from Job 11:6 is part of a speech by Zophar, one of Job's friends. He is attempting to explain Job's suffering and convince him that he must be doing something wrong to deserve it. Let's break down the verse:
"That he would show you the secrets of wisdom!" This is Zophar's wish or hope that God would reveal true understanding and insight to Job. Zophar believes that Job is lacking wisdom, and that's why he is unable to comprehend his situation.
"For true wisdom has two sides." This is the key to understanding Zophar's point. He is suggesting that wisdom isn't just about one thing. It has a depth and complexity that Job isn't grasping. The "two sides" are often interpreted as:
God's perspective vs. human perspective: God sees the whole picture, while humans only see a limited view.
Understanding God's justice vs. understanding human limitations: God's justice may not always be clear to us, but it is ultimately just.
The wisdom of suffering vs. the wisdom of prosperity: Suffering can teach valuable lessons that prosperity cannot.
"Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves." This is the most controversial part of the verse. Zophar is essentially accusing Job of being more sinful than he realizes. He argues that Job's suffering, severe as it is, is actually less than what he deserves based on his hidden wickedness. This implies that Job is being punished for sins he is unaware of.
In Summary:
Zophar is suggesting that Job's suffering is a result of his hidden sins and that God is being merciful by not punishing him even more severely. He believes that if Job were truly wise, he would understand this and repent.
Important Considerations:
Context is Crucial: It's important to remember that Zophar is wrong. The book of Job ultimately reveals that Job is not being punished for specific sins.
Theodicy (Justifying God): Zophar is trying to defend God's justice (theodicy) by claiming that suffering is always deserved. However, the book of Job challenges this simplistic view.
Misguided Comfort: Zophar's words are not comforting to Job. Instead, they are accusatory and judgmental, adding to Job's pain and confusion.
Theological Significance:
This verse highlights the common (but ultimately flawed) human tendency to assume that suffering is always a direct result of sin. The book of Job challenges this assumption and explores the complex and mysterious nature of suffering. It suggests that sometimes, bad things happen to good people, and the reasons for suffering may not always be clear to us. It is a test of faith and trust in God's wisdom and ultimate goodness.