Old Testament
Job 11:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
and that he would show you the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
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And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.
What Job 11:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Zophar is speaking, suggesting that God has deeper wisdom that is beyond human understanding. He implies that God's wisdom is far greater than what people can grasp, and that God is merciful, giving less punishment than what one's sins truly deserve. This highlights the idea that while humans may think they understand justice, God's perspective is much broader and more complex. Zophar is essentially saying that if Job could see the full picture, he would understand that God's ways are just and that He is not as harsh as Job might think. The verse serves as a reminder of the vastness of divine wisdom and the grace that God extends to humanity, even in the face of wrongdoing.
How to apply Job 11:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's wisdom and mercy, especially when facing difficult situations. It reminds us that our understanding is limited and that God sees the bigger picture. We should approach our challenges with humility, recognizing that God is just and compassionate, even when we feel undeserving.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Job 11:6
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 11:6 mean?
Job 11:6 means that God's wisdom is much greater than human understanding, and He is merciful by not punishing people as severely as their sins deserve.
What is the meaning of 'secrets of wisdom' in Job 11:6?
The 'secrets of wisdom' in Job 11:6 refer to the deeper insights and understanding that God possesses, which are beyond human comprehension.
How does Job 11:6 relate to God's justice?
Job 11:6 highlights that God's justice is not only about punishment but also about mercy, showing that He understands the full context of human actions.
What can we learn from Job 11:6?
From Job 11:6, we learn to trust in God's greater wisdom and mercy, recognizing that our understanding of justice is limited compared to His.
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