Old Testament
Job 21:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Have you not asked those who go by the way? And do you not know their signs,
Compare translations
Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,
What Job 21:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 21:29, Job challenges his friends to consider the experiences of travelers and the signs they encounter on their journeys. He implies that they should seek wisdom from those who have seen the world and understand its realities. This verse highlights the importance of learning from others' experiences and recognizing the signs of life that reveal deeper truths. Job is emphasizing that the understanding of suffering and justice is not limited to their narrow perspective. Instead, he encourages a broader view that includes the insights of those who have faced similar challenges. By asking if they have not inquired of those who travel, Job is pointing out that wisdom can be found in the stories and experiences of others, which can provide clarity in difficult times. This verse serves as a reminder that knowledge and understanding often come from listening to the experiences of others, rather than relying solely on one's own limited viewpoint.
How to apply Job 21:29 to your life
When facing challenges, seek advice and insights from those who have experienced similar situations. Engaging with others can provide valuable perspectives that help navigate difficult times. Remember that wisdom often comes from listening to the stories of others, not just from personal experience.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 21:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 21:29
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 21:29 teach about seeking wisdom?
Job 21:29 emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from those who have traveled through life and faced various experiences. It suggests that understanding suffering and justice requires looking beyond one's own perspective and learning from the insights of others. By asking if his friends have inquired of travelers, Job encourages them to consider broader viewpoints that can illuminate their understanding of life's challenges.
How can I apply Job 21:29 in my life?
To apply Job 21:29, actively seek advice and insights from people who have faced similar challenges in your life. Engage in conversations with those who have different experiences, as their stories can provide valuable lessons and perspectives. This practice can help you navigate your own difficulties with greater clarity and understanding, reminding you that wisdom often comes from collective experiences rather than isolated viewpoints.
What are the signs mentioned in Job 21:29?
In Job 21:29, the 'signs' refer to the insights and lessons that travelers gain from their journeys. These signs represent the knowledge and understanding that come from experiencing life in various contexts. Job is urging his friends to recognize that there are valuable truths to be learned from the experiences of others, which can help them comprehend the complexities of suffering and justice.
Why does Job challenge his friends in this verse?
Job challenges his friends in this verse to highlight their limited understanding of suffering and justice. By asking if they have consulted travelers, he points out that they are missing out on broader insights that could inform their discussions. Job wants them to realize that wisdom is not solely derived from their own experiences but can also be found in the stories and lessons of others who have faced similar trials.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.