How is God's wisdom trustworthy in Job 36:5?
In what ways can we trust God's wisdom as described in Job 36:5?

Setting the scene

Job 36:5 — “Indeed, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding.”

Spoken by Elihu, these words highlight two pillars of God’s wisdom: limitless power and limitless understanding, coupled with a heart that never looks down on anyone.


Unpacking Job 36:5

• “God is mighty” — His strength never wavers.

• “He despises no one” — His dealings are never petty, cruel, or biased.

• “Mighty in strength of understanding” — His insight is as infinite as His power.


Ways We Can Trust God’s Wisdom

1. He has all the facts

Psalm 147:5 — “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.”

• Nothing escapes His knowledge, so His guidance is always perfectly informed.

2. He is never unjust or dismissive

Acts 10:34 — “God does not show favoritism.”

• Because He “despises no one,” His wisdom is fair and compassionate toward every person.

3. His power guarantees His plans

Isaiah 40:28 — “He will never grow faint or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.”

• What He knows how to do, He is strong enough to accomplish.

4. His wisdom is superior to ours

1 Corinthians 1:25 — “the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom.”

• Our limited perspective often misreads circumstances; His never does.

5. He invites us to draw on that wisdom

James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.”

• The One whose understanding is infinite generously shares insight with His children.

6. His wisdom is woven through redemption

Romans 11:33 — “O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”

• The gospel itself proves that His wise plan works for our eternal good even when suffering clouds our view, just as Job eventually discovered.


Living Out Our Trust Today

• Rest your decisions on Scripture first, not on shifting cultural opinions.

• Pray for insight, believing He delights to give it.

• Obey promptly; His wisdom is proven in the doing (Proverbs 3:5-6).

• Look for His impartial care in everyday providence; it strengthens faith.

• Remember His power—no situation is too tangled for Him to untie.


Key Takeaways

• God’s wisdom is simultaneously powerful, all-knowing, and compassionate.

• Because He “despises no one,” you can trust His counsel even when life feels unfair.

• His limitless understanding assures that every command and promise in Scripture is reliable, beneficial, and ultimately good for those who rely on Him.

How does Job 36:5 reveal God's power and justice in our lives?
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