Old Testament

Job 18:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Job's friend Bildad is speaking about the fate of the wicked.

Author
Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
Written
Date debated
Genre
Wisdom literature
Original Audience
All who suffer or question God
CBTClear Bible Translation

"The steps of his strength shall be shortened, and his own counsel shall cast him down."

KJVKing James Version

The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.

Verse Analysis

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. Explore related anxiety.

Related topics

anxiety, fear, strength

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

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.

The Book of Job
Book Summary

The Book of Job

Job 1: Job's Integrity and First Test

Job lives in the land of Uz and is known for fearing God and turning away from evil. He has seven sons, three daughters, and great wealth. His sons hold feasts in their homes, and Job regularly sends for them and offers burnt offerings in case any of them sins in their hearts.

Premium

Unlock the full Job summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Job — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 42 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Job summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.