Job 37:24

KJV

Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any [that are] wise of heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

Men {H582} do therefore fear {H3372} him: he respecteth {H7200} not any that are wise {H2450} of heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why people fear him; he does not consider those who think of themselves as wise."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart.”

American Standard Version

Men do therefore fear him: He regardeth not any that are wise of heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 37:24 serves as Elihu's culminating declaration, powerfully summarizing his discourse on God's immeasurable and often inscrutable power, and humanity's appropriate response of profound reverence. This verse starkly contrasts divine majesty with human limitations, particularly emphasizing that God does not grant special favor or regard to those who rely on their own intellectual prowess, thereby underscoring the ultimate futility of human wisdom when it presumes to comprehend or challenge the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climactic conclusion to Elihu's extensive speeches, spanning [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction") through [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Final Exhortation"). Elihu, presented as a younger, more discerning voice, positions himself as a necessary corrective to both Job's self-justification and the inadequate theological frameworks offered by Job's three friends. Throughout his discourse, Elihu meticulously describes God's overwhelming power as manifested in natural phenomena—thunder, lightning, clouds, snow, and wind—culminating in a profound declaration of God's unsearchable greatness. His aim is to humble all parties, asserting God's unquestionable sovereignty and justice, and preparing the way for God's direct intervention, which immediately follows in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job"). Thus, [Job 37:24](/job/37-24 "Job 37:24 - The Fear of the Lord") encapsulates Elihu's overarching message about human reverence and the insufficiency of human intellect before divine grandeur.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a region where natural phenomena like storms, droughts, and the vastness of the cosmos were often interpreted as direct manifestations of divine power and presence. Peoples of this era, including the Israelites, understood that the forces of nature were beyond human control or full comprehension, thus reinforcing the concept of a powerful and sovereign deity. The concept of "wisdom" (_ḥokmah_) in ancient Israel was multifaceted, encompassing practical skill, moral insight, and theological understanding. While highly valued (as seen in [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs")), true wisdom was always understood to originate from God and to begin with the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Elihu's statement in [Job 37:24](/job/37-24 "Job 37:24 - The Fear of the Lord") reflects this understanding, contrasting human-centric wisdom (often leading to intellectual pride) with the divine wisdom that transcends human capacity.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 37:24](/job/37-24 "Job 37:24 - The Fear of the Lord") powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Incomprehensibility**, emphasizing that God's power and ways are beyond human grasp or challenge. This leads directly to the theme of **Human Humility**, calling for a posture of awe and submission before the Creator. The verse also highlights the **Limits of Human Wisdom**, asserting that human intellect, when divorced from divine revelation or when it leads to intellectual pride, holds no sway with God. Instead, it promotes the **"Fear of the Lord"** as the proper response to God's majesty, a reverent awe that acknowledges His supreme authority and our dependent place before Him. This fear is presented not as terror, but as the foundation of true understanding and a right relationship with God, a theme echoed throughout wisdom literature (e.g., [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, this word, often translated as "fear," carries a richer meaning than mere terror. In biblical contexts, particularly when referring to God, _yârêʼ'_ signifies a profound sense of awe, reverence, respect, and worshipful submission. It implies a recognition of God's immense power, holiness, and majesty, leading to a humble and obedient response from humanity. It is the proper, spiritual posture before the Almighty, acknowledging His supreme authority and our dependent status.
* **Respecteth not (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, the root of "respecteth," this term means "to see" or "to regard." When negated, as here, it indicates that God does not "see" or "regard" in a way that implies special consideration, honor, or favorable partiality. It signifies that God is not impressed by, swayed by, or beholden to human intellectual achievements, social status, or self-proclaimed wisdom. His judgment and interaction with humanity are not based on human distinctions or perceived superiority.
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** From H2450, this word refers to being intelligent, skillful, or artful. In the phrase "wise of heart," it describes those who possess intellectual wisdom or understanding. However, in this context, especially when contrasted with God's nature, it carries a negative connotation, implying those who are wise in their own estimation, self-sufficient in their intellect, or perhaps even intellectually proud. It contrasts with the true, God-given wisdom that leads to humility and reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Men do therefore fear him":** This clause presents a logical consequence stemming from Elihu's preceding descriptions of God's overwhelming power and unsearchable greatness. Because God is so mighty, so sovereign, and so beyond human comprehension, the only appropriate human response is a profound and reverent fear. This fear is not a cowering terror but a humble awe that acknowledges God's supreme authority and majesty, leading to worship and submission. It is the recognition of our finite nature before an infinite God.
* **"he respecteth not any [that are] wise of heart":** This second clause delivers a crucial theological statement about God's perspective on human wisdom. It asserts that God does not show special favor or give particular regard to those who consider themselves intellectually superior, self-sufficient, or wise in their own estimation. Human wisdom, cleverness, or philosophical insight, when it becomes a source of pride or attempts to challenge or fully grasp divine revelation, holds no sway with God. His perspective transcends and often confounds human understanding, rendering human intellectual arrogance irrelevant in His sight.

#### Literary Devices
Job 37:24 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the infinite, incomprehensible power of God against the finite, limited nature of humanity and its wisdom. This contrast underscores the vast chasm between the Creator and the created. The verse also functions as a **Climax** and **Summary** for Elihu's entire argument, encapsulating his core message about God's sovereignty and the necessity of human humility. Furthermore, it serves a **Didactic** purpose, teaching a fundamental lesson about the proper relationship between humanity and God, emphasizing that true understanding begins with reverence and not with intellectual pride.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:24 deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent limitations of human wisdom. It affirms that God's ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than our own, rendering human intellectual prowess or self-sufficiency ultimately meaningless in His sight. True wisdom, therefore, is not found in human cleverness but in a humble, reverent submission to God, acknowledging His incomprehensible majesty and unfathomable plans. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that intellectual pride is an obstacle to knowing God, whereas a posture of awe and dependence opens the door to genuine spiritual insight.
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser than Men")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher than Ours")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:24 calls every believer to adopt a posture of profound humility and awe before the Almighty. It serves as a vital corrective to any tendency towards intellectual pride or self-reliance, reminding us that our human intellect, achievements, or self-proclaimed wisdom cannot earn God's favor, fully comprehend His ways, or impress Him. In a world that often elevates human reason and scientific discovery above all else, this verse anchors us in the truth that true understanding and a right relationship with God stem from reverent submission and absolute dependence on Him, rather than reliance on our own limited capabilities. It encourages us to constantly seek wisdom from God, acknowledging that His thoughts are indeed higher than our thoughts, and His ways are far beyond our full comprehension. This humility fosters a deeper trust and a more profound worship, leading to genuine spiritual growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own wisdom or understanding rather than humbly seeking God's guidance and acknowledging His supremacy?**
* **How does a proper "fear of the Lord"—a reverent awe—shape my daily decisions, my understanding of God's power, and my place in His vast creation?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, especially when faced with challenges that seem to defy human solutions?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "fear" is being described in Job 37:24, and how does it relate to modern faith?**

Answer: The "fear" described in [Job 37:24](/job/37-24 "Job 37:24 - The Fear of the Lord") (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_) is not a cowering terror or a phobia, but a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respectful submission before God's immense power, holiness, and majesty. It's an acknowledgment of His absolute sovereignty and our dependent status as creatures. In modern faith, this translates to a deep respect for God's authority, a recognition of His transcendent nature, and a humble willingness to obey His commands. It means prioritizing God's perspective over our own, trusting His wisdom even when we don't understand, and approaching Him with reverence in worship and prayer. This reverent fear is foundational to true spiritual wisdom, as stated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

**Does God truly "disrespect" wise people, or is there a nuance to "he respecteth not any [that are] wise of heart"?**

Answer: The nuance is crucial. God does not disrespect wisdom itself, especially wisdom that comes from Him. The phrase "wise of heart" in this context refers to those who are wise in their own estimation, those who rely on their own intellectual prowess or human reason to the exclusion of divine revelation, or those whose wisdom leads to intellectual pride and self-sufficiency. God does not show partiality or special regard to such human-centric wisdom because it often stands in opposition to or attempts to elevate itself above divine truth. It's a critique of intellectual arrogance, not of genuine, God-given wisdom or learning. God values true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord and acknowledges His supreme authority, as seen throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs").

**How does Job 37:24 relate to the broader narrative and theological message of the book of Job?**

Answer: [Job 37:24](/job/37-24 "Job 37:24 - The Fear of the Lord") serves as Elihu's final, climactic statement, perfectly setting the stage for God's direct intervention in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job"). Throughout the book, Job and his friends have engaged in a profound theological debate, attempting to understand God's justice and Job's suffering through their limited human wisdom. Elihu's speeches, culminating in this verse, challenge the presumption of human wisdom to fully grasp or critique God's ways. It underscores the central theological message of Job: that God's sovereignty is absolute, His ways are often inscrutable to human understanding, and the proper response to His majesty is humble reverence, not intellectual debate or self-justification. The verse prepares the reader for God's thunderous questions that further expose the limits of human knowledge and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Job 37:24](/job/37-24 "Job 37:24 - The Fear of the Lord"), with its emphasis on God's incomprehensible wisdom and His disregard for human intellectual pride, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound illumination in Jesus Christ. While Elihu points to God's majestic power in creation as a reason for human fear and humility, the New Testament reveals that the very "wisdom of God" is embodied in Christ Himself. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge") declares that "in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," indicating that the divine wisdom Elihu spoke of is fully revealed and accessible through Christ. Furthermore, the cross, which appears as "foolishness" to human wisdom, is precisely where God's ultimate power and wisdom are displayed ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Foolishness of the Cross")). God's "respecting not any that are wise of heart" is perfectly demonstrated in His choice to save humanity not through human philosophy or strength, but through the "foolishness" of the gospel message and the weakness of a crucified Messiah. Therefore, the "fear of the Lord" Elihu calls for is now perfectly expressed in a reverent faith and worship of Jesus, who perfectly revealed the Father and became the very wisdom and righteousness of God for us ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ is Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). True wisdom is found not in human intellect, but in humbly embracing Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

1 Corinthians 1:26

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:

Job 5:13

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

Isaiah 5:21

Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Psalms 130:4

But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Ecclesiastes 9:11

¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.