Job 11:6

And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisedome, that they are double to that which is: know therefore that God exacteth of thee lesse then thine iniquitie deserueth. Job 11:6 (KJV)

“And that he would show you the secrets of wisdom, that they are beyond what you possess! Know therefore that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.”

In this passage Zophar, one of Job’s friends, addresses Job during the series of dialogues that run through the book of Job. His remarks are a response to Job’s lament and his questioning of why he suffers. Zophar suggests that if Job seeks God’s counsel, God would reveal to him hidden knowledge—the “secrets of wisdom.” This implies that true wisdom is not easily attainable and requires a special revelation from God.

Zophar emphasizes that God’s wisdom far exceeds human understanding. While one draft describes the divine wisdom as “double to that which is,” the other describes it as “beyond what you possess.” Both convey the same idea: human wisdom is limited, whereas God’s wisdom is perfect, infinite, and beyond our grasp.

Turning to justice, Zophar stresses that Job should recognize God’s fairness. He argues that God “exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves,” implying that Job’s suffering is less than his sins merit. This application is misguided, for the broader narrative of Job makes clear that Job is blameless and his suffering is not a direct result of personal sin. Rather, it is part of a larger cosmic struggle between God and Satan, permitted by God to test Job’s faith and demonstrate his righteousness.

When studying this chapter it is crucial to keep the broader context in mind, including the responses of Job’s other friends and Job’s eventual encounter with God. The tension highlighted in Job 11:6 between human wisdom and divine wisdom raises profound questions about suffering, justice, and the limits of human understanding. The passage encourages seekers to pursue God’s wisdom and to trust in His justice even amid difficult circumstances, recognizing that God’s ways often surpass human comprehension.