Job 26:3
How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יָּ֭עַצְתָּ
How hast thou counselled
H3289
יָּ֭עַצְתָּ
How hast thou counselled
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
2 of 7
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
לְלֹ֣א
him that hath no
H3808
לְלֹ֣א
him that hath no
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְ֝תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה
the thing as it is
H8454
וְ֝תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה
the thing as it is
Strong's:
H8454
Word #:
5 of 7
support or (by implication) ability, i.e., (direct) help, (in purpose) an undertaking, (intellectual) understanding
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom culture valued sage counsel from experienced elders. Job's three friends represent this tradition, but their failure demonstrates that conventional wisdom cannot explain all suffering. The book challenges simplistic applications of retribution theology, preparing for fuller revelation of redemptive suffering in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you offered 'helpful' advice that was actually insensitive to someone's real situation?
- How does Job's sarcasm challenge us to examine whether our theological certainties blind us to complex realities?
- What is the difference between worldly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from fearing God?
Analysis & Commentary
How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom?—Job's sarcasm is biting. The verb ya'ats (יָעַץ, counselled) means to advise or plan, while lo-chokmah (לֹא־חָכְמָה) literally means 'no wisdom.' Job ironically thanks Bildad for counseling the 'unwise one'—himself, according to the friends' diagnosis. How hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is? continues the irony with hoda'ta (הוֹדַעְתָּ, made known) and tushiyyah (תּוּשִׁיָּה), meaning sound wisdom, success, or effective working.
This rhetorical flourish exposes the friends' arrogance and ineffectiveness. They claim to possess wisdom Job lacks, yet their theology crumbles under his suffering's reality. True wisdom begins with fearing God (28:28), not mechanistic retribution theology. Paul later echoes this when he calls worldly wisdom foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:20-25). Job anticipates that Christ crucified—appearing as weakness and folly—is God's true wisdom.