I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, the home of Motown. My parents were big fans of soul music. One of my parents’ favorite musical artists was James Brown. In 1972 he released a song that my dad loved, entitled “Talking Loud and Saying Nothing.”

Job listened to what Eliphaz had to say but he wasn’t impressed. Eliphaz failed to grasp the weight of Job’s anguish (6:2–3). His theological argument on retributive theology brought no comfort to Job’s predicament. In fact, Job charges his friends with being insensitive and cruel (6:25–27). Job would listen to his friends if they provided genuine wisdom (6:24). Job exclaimed to his friends: “Look at me” (6:28); “Relent” (6:29); “Reconsider” (6:29). He deeply desired his friends’ help in finding the reason for his loss, and not their scorn.

When we turn to people for wisdom, we must consider the source of their advice. Not everyone has our best interest at heart. Some want what’s best but are not being directed by God. We need discernment.

Finally, Job sought an answer from God. “If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you who see everything we do? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you? Why do you not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins?” (7:20– 21). When human wisdom failed him, Job looked to the One who could truly help.

Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (11:14 NKJ). As believers, we should always seek wise counsel. This is especially true in difficult circumstances and when we must make major decisions. However, after all our human counsel, we need to seek wisdom from the true Counselor, the Watcher of man. God’s wisdom is always best.

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