Job 18:7 - The steps of his strength shall be shortened. His own counsel shall cast him down.

Generated Verse: Job 18:7

What does "Job 18:7" mean?


Job 18:7, "The steps of his strength shall be shortened, and his own counsel shall cast him down," is part of Bildad's second speech in the Book of Job. Bildad is one of Job's "friends" who believes that Job's suffering is a direct consequence of his sin. This verse, like much of Bildad's discourse, is a description of the fate of the wicked. Let's break it down:

"The steps of his strength shall be shortened": This is metaphorical language.
"Steps" can refer to progress in life, advancement, or the length of one's stride.
"Strength" can refer to power, influence, resources, or physical vigor.
"Shortened" means reduced, limited, or curtailed.
Therefore, this phrase suggests that the wicked person's power, prosperity, and ability to move forward successfully in life will be diminished. Their plans will be thwarted, and their progress will be impeded. They will face obstacles that they cannot overcome, limiting their advancements.

"His own counsel shall cast him down": This highlights the idea that the wicked person's downfall will be self-inflicted.
"Counsel" refers to their plans, strategies, decisions, and schemes.
"Cast him down" means to bring about their ruin, humiliation, or destruction.
Thus, this part of the verse implies that the wicked person's own faulty thinking, bad decisions, and wicked plots will ultimately lead to their demise. Their own cunning will backfire and result in their downfall. It suggests a lack of wisdom and foresight on the part of the wicked person. Their plans, crafted with malicious intent or selfish ambition, will unravel and lead to their destruction.

In context, Bildad is arguing that Job's suffering is not arbitrary but a consequence of his wickedness. Bildad believes Job's current predicament proves that he is the "wicked person" described in these verses. He is saying that Job's former strength and success are now being diminished, and his own actions and unwise decisions have led to his downfall.

It's important to remember that Job's friends were wrong. The Book of Job ultimately reveals that Job's suffering was not a direct punishment for sin, but a test of his faith. This verse, while powerful in its imagery, reflects a flawed theology of retributive justice.

In essence, Job 18:7 illustrates the idea that the wicked will experience a decline in their power and success, and their own flawed judgment and actions will ultimately bring about their ruin. However, it's crucial to understand this verse within the context of the entire Book of Job, which challenges simplistic notions of divine justice and rewards.

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