Job 21:16
Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְיָדָ֣ם
is not in their hand
H3027
בְיָדָ֣ם
is not in their hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
טוּבָ֑ם
Lo their good
H2898
טוּבָ֑ם
Lo their good
Strong's:
H2898
Word #:
4 of 8
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
6 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Cross References
Job 22:18Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.Proverbs 1:10My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.Genesis 49:6O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature warned against following the wicked's counsel (Psalm 1:1). Job carefully distinguishes between observing reality (the wicked prosper) and endorsing their worldview (prosperity proves righteousness or proves God doesn't matter).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we acknowledge reality without endorsing wrong interpretations of it?
- What distinguishes observing how God's providence works from adopting the wicked's philosophy?
- How do we maintain orthodox theology while honestly acknowledging life's complexities?
Analysis & Commentary
Job distances himself from wicked counsel: 'Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.' Though observing the wicked's prosperity, Job doesn't endorse their philosophy. Their 'good' (prosperity) doesn't rest in their control—God sovereignly grants it. Job rejects their counsel even while acknowledging their temporal success. This demonstrates wisdom: learn from observation without adopting wrong conclusions.