Job 6:13
Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
Original Language Analysis
הַאִ֬ם
H518
הַאִ֬ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
וְ֝תֻֽשִׁיָּ֗ה
in me and is wisdom
H8454
וְ֝תֻֽשִׁיָּ֗ה
in me and is wisdom
Strong's:
H8454
Word #:
5 of 7
support or (by implication) ability, i.e., (direct) help, (in purpose) an undertaking, (intellectual) understanding
Cross References
Job 26:2How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Historical Context
Wisdom literature typically encouraged self-sufficiency and internal resources for handling life's challenges. Job's admission that wisdom has been driven from him represents profound humility or possibly despair, depending on interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to acknowledge that help is not in you and wisdom has fled?
- How does admitting complete spiritual bankruptcy position you for divine grace?
Analysis & Commentary
Job concludes: 'Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?' The Hebrew allows two readings: either Job has no help within himself and wisdom has fled, or he's questioning Eliphaz's implication that this is so. Most likely Job admits he has no internal resources left—no help and no wisdom. This radical honesty about spiritual bankruptcy positions Job paradoxically for divine help, since God gives grace to the humble who acknowledge need (James 4:6).