Job 15:31 – The Wisdom Of Listening To God

The Context of Job 15:31

The book of Job is a powerful exploration of the problem of evil and suffering in the world. It tells the story of a man named Job who experiences unimaginable loss and suffering, and who struggles to make sense of it all. In Job 15:31, one of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, speaks to him about the need to listen to God’s wisdom in the midst of such trials.

The Importance of Listening

Eliphaz begins by asking Job if he will listen to him, and then goes on to say, “Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” This is a powerful statement about the importance of listening to wise counsel, and suggests that by doing so, we can find peace and security even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The Source of Wisdom

Eliphaz then goes on to talk about where wisdom comes from. He says, “The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.” This suggests that wisdom is a valuable commodity, and that those who possess it will be honored. But where does wisdom come from? According to Eliphaz, it comes from God. He says, “He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.”

The Limits of Human Understanding

Eliphaz goes on to talk about the limitations of human understanding. He says, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” This is a reminder that there are things in life that we simply cannot understand, no matter how hard we try. This can be frustrating, but it also means that we need to be humble and recognize our limitations.

The Application of Job 15:31

So what can we learn from Job 15:31? Here are a few key takeaways:

We Need to Listen to Wise Counsel

As Eliphaz reminds us, listening to wise counsel is essential if we want to find peace and security in the midst of difficult circumstances. This means seeking out people who have experience and wisdom, and being open to their advice.

Wisdom Comes from God

Eliphaz also reminds us that wisdom comes from God. This means that if we want to be wise, we need to seek God’s guidance and direction in our lives. This can be done through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking out the counsel of other believers.

We Need to Be Humble

Finally, Job 15:31 reminds us of the need for humility. We cannot understand everything, and we need to be willing to admit our limitations. This means being open to learning from others, and recognizing that we do not have all the answers.

Conclusion

Job 15:31 is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to wise counsel, seeking God’s wisdom, and remaining humble in the face of life’s challenges. By doing so, we can find peace and security even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and honor God with our lives.