Job 11:3-13

3 Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?

4 For you say, 'My doctrine is pure, I am clean in your eyes.'

5 But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against you,

6 That he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.

7 "Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

8 They are high as heaven. What can you do? Deeper than Sheol: what can you know?

9 The measure of it is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea.

10 If he passes by, or confines, Or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?

11 For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.

12 But vain man can become wise If a man can be born as a wild donkey's colt.

13 "If you set your heart aright, Stretch out your hands toward him.

Job 11:3-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 11

In this chapter Zophar the Naamathite, Job's third friend, attacks him, and the with great acrimony and severity, and with much indecency; he charges him not only with loquacity, and vain babbling, but with lying, and with scoffing at God, and good men, Job 11:1-3; which he attempts to support by some things Job had said, misrepresented by him, Job 11:4; and wishes that God would take him in hand, and convince him of the wisdom of the divine proceedings with him, and of his lenity and mercy to him, Job 11:5,6; and then discourses of the unsearchableness of God in his counsels, and conduct; of his sovereignty, and of his power, and of the vanity and folly of men, Job 11:7-19; and as his friends before him, having insinuated that Job was guilty of some heinous sin, or sins, and especially of hypocrisy, advises him to repentance and reformation, and then it would be well with him; and he should enjoy much comfort, peace, and safety, even to old age, Job 11:13-19; and concludes it should go ill with the wicked man and the hypocrite, such as he suggests Job was, Job 11:20.