Job 34:34
Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
Original Language Analysis
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Let men
H582
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Let men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
וְגֶ֥בֶר
man
H1397
וְגֶ֥בֶר
man
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
חָ֝כָ֗ם
me and let a wise
H2450
חָ֝כָ֗ם
me and let a wise
Strong's:
H2450
Word #:
6 of 8
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom tradition valued peer recognition and communal validation of wise teaching. Proverbs frequently appeals to "the wise" as arbiters of truth. Yet prophetic tradition challenged consensus wisdom when it contradicted divine revelation (Jeremiah vs. false prophets, Amos vs. establishment priests). Elihu's appeal to the wise follows conventional wisdom pedagogy but will be superseded by direct divine speech, which validates neither Job's friends nor Elihu but rebukes all human presumption (42:7-8).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we evaluate theological claims without falling into either individualism or uncritical consensus?
- What role does the community of faith play in discerning truth?
- How does humility before God's Word relativize all human wisdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Let men of understanding tell me (אַנְשֵׁי לֵבָב יֹאמְרוּ לִי, anshei levav yomru li)—The phrase "men of heart" (anshei levav) refers to wise, discerning people. The heart (lev) is the seat of understanding in Hebrew anthropology. The phrase and let a wise man hearken unto me (וְגֶבֶר חָכָם שֹׁמֵעַ לִי, ve-gever chakam shomea li) doubles the appeal to wisdom. Elihu appeals to the wise to validate his argument. This is rhetorical strategy—claiming support from the discerning. Yet Proverbs warns against self-proclaimed wisdom: "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him" (Proverbs 26:12).
True wisdom requires humility, not self-certification. James 3:13-17 distinguishes earthly wisdom (bitter envying, strife) from divine wisdom (pure, peaceable, gentle). Elihu's speeches contain truth but also presumption—he lacks the humility God will model in His answer. The gospel reveals ultimate wisdom in what appears foolish: Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23-25). This transforms epistemology—wisdom comes not from human validation but from divine revelation and humble reception.