Job 34:34

Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.

Let men {H582} of understanding {H3824} tell {H559} me, and let a wise {H2450} man {H1397} hearken {H8085} unto me.

Intelligent people will tell me, every wise man who hears me will say,

Men of understanding will declare to me, and the wise men who hear me will say:

Men of understanding will say unto me, Yea, every wise man that heareth me:

Commentary

Job 34:34 is a rhetorical challenge issued by Elihu, the youngest of Job's four interlocutors. After a lengthy discourse in which he attempts to correct both Job and the three older friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar), Elihu presents himself as having superior insight and understanding. This verse serves as a direct invitation, or perhaps a demand, for those who claim wisdom to genuinely listen to his arguments and perhaps to offer a better response if they can.

Context

This verse falls within Elihu's extensive speeches, which begin in Job chapter 32. Elihu steps into the debate after the three older friends have exhausted their arguments and Job has continued to maintain his innocence. Elihu claims to speak not from age, but from the Spirit of God, believing he has a fresh perspective on God's justice and dealings with humanity. He criticizes the older friends for failing to convince Job and Job himself for his perceived self-righteousness. This particular verse highlights Elihu's confidence in his own understanding and his desire for his words to be given due weight by those who consider themselves wise or discerning.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Wisdom and Understanding: Elihu’s challenge underscores the ongoing quest for true wisdom within the book of Job. He implies that genuine wisdom involves not just speaking, but also discerning listening and the ability to grasp divine principles, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as in Proverbs 4:7.
  • The Importance of Listening: The phrase "hearken unto me" emphasizes the active and attentive listening required to truly engage with an argument or teaching. It suggests that wisdom is gained not only by speaking but also by humbly receiving instruction.
  • Rhetorical Challenge: Elihu uses this statement to assert his authority and perhaps to provoke a response from those who might dismiss his youth or his perspective. It is a bold declaration of his perceived intellectual and spiritual superiority in the debate.
  • Discerning Truth: The verse prompts reflection on how we assess and respond to different perspectives, especially when searching for divine truth amidst complex human experience.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Understanding" (Hebrew: biynah): This term refers to discernment, intelligence, or the ability to separate and distinguish between things. It implies a deep comprehension beyond mere knowledge, a capacity to grasp the meaning and implications of facts.
  • "Wise man" (Hebrew: chakam): This denotes someone who is skilled, prudent, or possesses practical wisdom and good judgment, often in a moral or religious sense.
  • "Hearken" (Hebrew: shama): More than just "to hear," shama often carries the connotation of "to listen attentively" and "to obey." In this context, Elihu is not merely asking for an audience, but for careful consideration and acceptance of his words.

Practical Application

Job 34:34 reminds us of the value of open-mindedness and careful listening in any discussion, especially when seeking truth. While Elihu's self-confidence is evident, the principle remains: genuine understanding often requires us to set aside our preconceptions and truly "hearken" to others, weighing their words with discernment. It also challenges us to consider from whom we seek counsel and whether we are truly receptive to wisdom, regardless of its source. Ultimately, the book of Job teaches that true wisdom comes from God alone, as exemplified in God's powerful address to Job in chapter 38, which puts all human understanding into perspective.

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Cross-References

  • Job 34:2 (2 votes)

    Hear my words, O ye wise [men]; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

  • Job 34:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

  • Job 34:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness; and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity.

  • Job 34:4 (2 votes)

    Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what [is] good.