Old Testament
Job 21:16
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Look, their good is not in their hand; the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
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Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
What Job 21:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job is expressing his belief that the prosperity of the wicked is not truly in their control. He suggests that those who are evil may seem to thrive, but their success is not genuine or lasting. Job distances himself from the advice and counsel of the wicked, indicating that he does not want to be influenced by their ways. This reflects Job's commitment to righteousness and his understanding that true goodness comes from a relationship with God, not from the fleeting gains of the wicked. Job's statement serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that the values of the wicked are not aligned with the values of the faithful. Ultimately, Job is asserting that he will not seek guidance from those who do not honor God, as their counsel leads away from true wisdom and understanding.
How to apply Job 21:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate the sources of our guidance and advice. We should seek counsel from those who uphold righteousness and align with our values. Avoiding the influence of the wicked can help us maintain our integrity and stay true to our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Job 21:16
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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 21:16 mean?
Job 21:16 means that the prosperity of wicked people is not genuinely in their control. Job is asserting that their success is not real or lasting, and he chooses to distance himself from their counsel.
What is the significance of 'the counsel of the wicked' in Job 21:16?
In Job 21:16, 'the counsel of the wicked' refers to the advice and guidance from those who do not follow God's ways. Job emphasizes that he does not want to be influenced by such counsel, as it leads away from true wisdom.
How does Job 21:16 relate to integrity?
Job 21:16 relates to integrity by highlighting the importance of seeking guidance from righteous sources. By avoiding the counsel of the wicked, Job maintains his integrity and stays true to his faith.
What themes are present in Job 21:16?
The themes present in Job 21:16 include righteousness, wickedness, divine justice, counsel, integrity, and faithfulness. These themes reflect Job's understanding of true goodness and the importance of wise guidance.
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