God is wise in heartThis phrase emphasizes God's profound wisdom, which is not merely intellectual but deeply rooted in His character and being. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with God's ability to create and sustain the universe (
Proverbs 3:19-20). The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of intellect and emotion, indicating that God's wisdom is both perfect and compassionate. This aligns with passages like
Isaiah 40:28, which speaks of God's understanding being unsearchable.
and mighty in strength.
God's strength is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting His omnipotence. This strength is evident in creation (Genesis 1), in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 15:6), and in His ongoing sovereignty over the nations (Psalm 46:6). The combination of wisdom and strength assures believers of God's ability to execute His perfect will. This dual attribute is also seen in Jesus Christ, who is described as the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Who has resisted Him and prospered?
This rhetorical question underscores the futility of opposing God. Throughout biblical history, those who have resisted God, such as Pharaoh (Exodus 5-14) and the nations opposing Israel (Psalm 2), have ultimately failed. This phrase serves as a warning and a reminder of God's ultimate authority and justice. It also points to the eschatological reality where every knee will bow to Christ (Philippians 2:10-11), affirming that resistance to God is ultimately in vain.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.
2.
GodThe Almighty Creator, characterized in this verse as wise and mighty. Job acknowledges God's supreme power and wisdom.
3.
Job's FriendsAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, they are part of the broader account. They attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, which Job challenges.
4.
The Heavenly CourtEarlier in the book, this is where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness, setting the stage for Job's trials.
5.
The Land of UzThe setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.
Teaching Points
God's Incomparable Wisdom and StrengthRecognize that God's wisdom and strength are beyond human comprehension. This should lead us to trust in His plans, even when we do not understand them.
The Futility of Resisting GodUnderstand that resisting God's will is ultimately futile. Aligning ourselves with His purposes leads to true prosperity, not necessarily in material terms, but in spiritual growth and fulfillment.
Humility Before GodApproach God with humility, acknowledging our limitations and His sovereignty. This humility is the foundation of a right relationship with Him.
Trust in God's SovereigntyIn times of trial, like Job, we should trust in God's sovereign control over all circumstances, knowing that His wisdom and strength are at work for our good.
Reflecting on God's AttributesRegularly meditate on God's attributes—His wisdom, strength, and sovereignty—to deepen our faith and reliance on Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 9:4?
2.How does Job 9:4 highlight God's wisdom and strength in our daily lives?
3.What does Job 9:4 teach about human limitations compared to God's power?
4.How can we apply Job 9:4 in trusting God's plans over our own?
5.How does Job 9:4 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God?
6.In what ways can Job 9:4 encourage humility in our spiritual walk?
7.How does Job 9:4 reflect God's wisdom and strength in human suffering?
8.Why does Job question God's justice in Job 9:4?
9.How does Job 9:4 challenge human understanding of divine power?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 9?
11.In Job 9:4, how can an all-powerful God allow innocent suffering if He is truly wise and mighty?
12.In Job 12:6, how does the idea that 'the tents of robbers are at peace' harmonize with other scriptures that insist the wicked are eventually punished?
13.Why does a just God allow the wicked to thrive openly without immediate consequence? (Psalm 10:2)
14.How does Psalm 1:3, which promises the righteous will prosper, align with the observable reality that many devout believers still suffer hardships?What Does Job 9:4 Mean
God is wise in heartIn everyday conversation we limit wisdom to sharp thinking. Job reminds us that God carries wisdom “in heart,” meaning His wisdom is personal, intentional, and always righteous.
• “The LORD founded the earth by wisdom” (Proverbs 3:19).
• “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33).
• “Great is our Lord… His understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:5).
Because His insight is boundless, nothing in our lives catches Him off guard. When answers escape us, we lean on the One whose motives and plans are flawless.
and mighty in strengthWisdom without power could only sympathize, but God’s wisdom is paired with omnipotence.
• “O Lord GOD… nothing is too difficult for You!” (Jeremiah 32:17).
• The stars stay in orbit “because of His great power and mighty strength” (Isaiah 40:26).
• “Mighty is Your arm” (Psalm 89:13); “He is able to do immeasurably more” (Ephesians 3:20).
Job’s weakness highlights God’s limitless ability. Every promise He makes is fully backed by the power that spoke the universe into existence.
Who has resisted Him and prospered?The question answers itself—no one.
• Pharaoh’s army sank beneath the Red Sea (Exodus 14).
• Nebuchadnezzar confessed, “No one can restrain His hand” (Daniel 4:34-35).
• “There is no wisdom… that can prevail against the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30).
• “Who can thwart Him?” (Isaiah 14:27).
• Gamaliel cautioned, “You may even find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:38-39).
History proves that resisting God shrivels a life, while submission draws us into His wise heart and mighty strength.
summaryJob 9:4 unveils a Lord whose wisdom is perfect, whose power is limitless, and whose will is unbeatable. Sufferers find anchor, the proud find warning, and all are invited to trust. Aligning with Him is the only path that truly prospers.
Verse 4. - He is
wise in heart, and mighty in strength. The sense is strengthened if we omit "he is," and render,
Wisein heart,
and mighty in strength,
who hath hardened etc.? God's combination of perfect wisdom with infinite strength renders it hopeless for any man to contend with him.
Who hath hardened himself against him; and hath prospered? Job fully admits the wisdom of all that Eliphaz (
Job 4:17) and Bildad (
Job 8:3-6) have said, or hinted, with respect to his inability wholly to justify himself. No one has ever taken this line of absolute self-justification, and prospered.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
[God is] wiseחֲכַ֣ם(ḥă·ḵam)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2450:Wisein heartלֵ֭בָב(lê·ḇāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3824:Inner man, mind, will, heartand mightyוְאַמִּ֣יץ(wə·’am·mîṣ)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 533:Strong, strengthin strength.כֹּ֑חַ(kō·aḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3581:A small reptile (of unknown species)Whoמִֽי־(mî-)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixhas hardened [himself]הִקְשָׁ֥ה(hiq·šāh)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7185:To be hard, severe or fierceagainst Himאֵ֝לָ֗יו(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toand prospered?וַיִּשְׁלָֽם׃(way·yiš·lām)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7999:To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate
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OT Poetry: Job 9:4 God who is wise in heart (Jb) 
