Old Testament
Job 18:7
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"The steps of his strength shall be shortened, and his own counsel shall cast him down."
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The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
What Job 18:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Bildad is speaking about the fate of the wicked. He suggests that a person's strength and ability to succeed will be diminished when they rely on their own wisdom and understanding. The phrase 'steps of his strength shall be shortened' implies that their power will be limited, and 'his own counsel shall cast him down' indicates that their misguided decisions will lead to their downfall. This reflects a broader theme in the book of Job, where human wisdom is often contrasted with divine wisdom. Bildad is warning that self-reliance and pride can lead to destruction, emphasizing the importance of humility and seeking guidance from God rather than trusting solely in one's own judgment.
How to apply Job 18:7 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder to seek wisdom beyond our own understanding. When faced with challenges, we should not rely solely on our own counsel but instead turn to God for guidance. Humility in seeking help can prevent us from making poor decisions that lead to our downfall.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Keep studying Job 18:7
Related Bible verses
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 18:7 mean?
Job 18:7 means that a person's strength and ability to succeed will be limited when they rely on their own wisdom. It warns that misguided decisions can lead to downfall, emphasizing the need for humility and divine guidance.
What is the meaning of 'steps of his strength shall be shortened' in Job 18:7?
The phrase 'steps of his strength shall be shortened' indicates that a person's power and capacity to achieve will be restricted when they depend solely on themselves, highlighting the consequences of self-reliance.
How does Job 18:7 relate to pride and humility?
Job 18:7 relates to pride by showing that self-reliance can result in failure. It emphasizes humility by suggesting that seeking guidance from God is crucial to avoid making poor decisions.
What themes are present in Job 18:7?
Themes in Job 18:7 include the consequences of pride, the dangers of self-reliance, the contrast between divine and human wisdom, the downfall of the wicked, and the importance of humility in decision-making.
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