Job 37:19

19 "If you're so smart, give us a lesson in how to address God. We're in the dark and can't figure it out.

Job 37:19 Meaning and Commentary

Job 37:19

Teach us what we shall say unto him
To this wonder working God, of whose common works of nature we know so little; how we should reason with him about his works of Providence, when we know so little of these:

[for] we cannot order [our speech] by reason of darkness;
by reason of darkness in themselves, which is in all men naturally, and even in the saints in this state of imperfection; and by reason of the clouds and darkness which are about the Lord himself, who is incomprehensible in his nature and perfections; and by reason of the darkness cast about his providential dealings with men, so that they are unsearchable and past finding out; and the best of men are at a loss how to order their speech, or discourse with God concerning these things.

Job 37:19 In-Context

17 Why, you don't even know how to keep cool on a sweltering hot day,
18 So how could you even dream of making a dent in that hot-tin-roof sky?
19 "If you're so smart, give us a lesson in how to address God. We're in the dark and can't figure it out.
20 Do you think I'm dumb enough to challenge God? Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?
21 No one in his right mind stares straight at the sun on a clear and cloudless day.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.