The phrase "words without knowledge, darken advice" is derived from the book of Job, specifically Job 38:2, where God addresses Job out of the whirlwind. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as: "Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge?" This passage marks the beginning of God's response to Job, who, throughout the preceding chapters, has been questioning the justice and wisdom of God amidst his suffering.

Context in the Book of Job

The book of Job is a profound exploration of human suffering, divine justice, and the limits of human understanding. Job, a righteous man, experiences immense suffering and loss, prompting a series of dialogues between him and his friends. These friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, suggesting that it must be a result of sin. Job, however, maintains his innocence and questions the justice of his plight.

In Job 38, God intervenes, addressing Job directly. The phrase "words without knowledge" highlights the inadequacy of human wisdom when it comes to comprehending divine purposes. God's rhetorical questions to Job emphasize the vast gulf between divine and human understanding, underscoring that human beings, with their limited perspective, are not equipped to fully grasp the complexities of God's creation and governance.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, the phrase "words without knowledge, darken advice" serves as a humbling reminder of the limitations of human wisdom. It cautions against the presumption of understanding God's ways and the tendency to offer simplistic explanations for complex realities. This is particularly relevant in the context of suffering and divine justice, where human reasoning often falls short.

The passage also underscores the importance of humility before God. It challenges believers to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when His ways are inscrutable. The acknowledgment of human limitations is not an invitation to abandon the pursuit of knowledge but rather a call to recognize the ultimate authority and wisdom of God.

Application in Christian Life

In practical terms, this passage encourages believers to approach life's mysteries with humility and faith. It warns against the arrogance of assuming complete understanding and the danger of offering counsel that lacks divine insight. Christians are called to seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).

Furthermore, this passage invites believers to support those who suffer not with trite explanations but with compassion and empathy, acknowledging the mystery of God's purposes. It encourages a posture of listening and learning, rather than speaking hastily or presumptuously.

Conclusion

While the phrase "words without knowledge, darken advice" serves as a rebuke to Job and his friends, it also offers a timeless lesson for all believers. It calls for a recognition of human limitations, a reliance on divine wisdom, and a commitment to humility in the face of life's profound questions.Job 38:2
Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Nave's Topical Index

A Simple Sermon for Seeking Souls
... I dare not be unfaithful to my knowledge of God's word ... man be ashamed of me, and
of my words in this ... of Christ the road is just as straight without the minister ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a simple sermon for seeking.htm

The Warrant of Faith
... Brethren, I would not darken counsel by words without knowledge. ... faith is to depend
upon my knowledge of my ... foul and filthy as he is, without any preparation ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the warrant of faith.htm

Letter Liv. To Furia.
... a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." [1559] Imitate ... This is what the apostle
says in other words: "Every sin that a man doeth is without the body ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liv to furia.htm

The Struggler;
... one of the learned to take advantage of his words; and having ... The saint's knowledge
of Christ's love. ... exposed myself and made one, and that without money for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the struggler.htm

Sowing in the Wind, Reaping under Clouds
... be you one of those who obey the poet's words,". ... Just as thou art, without one trace
of anything that ... Go on spreading abroad the knowledge of Christ; in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sowing in the wind reaping.htm

Concerning Worship.
... things, and a meddling with them, both without and contrary to ... after that we have
received the knowledge of the ... him so to do, or otherwise words of exhortation ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... he had no opportunity of acquiring scriptural knowledge; no Sunday ... love' (Song
4:1). From these words the minister ... loveless; 2. Christ's love is without a cause ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Anglican Reform
... an almost incalculable extent was despoiled without even a ... teach others, "than ten
thousand words in an ... application to the reception of knowledge through the ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/chapter i the anglican reform.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... address (3:16) Amos takes the opening words of his ... The storm passes, without pausing
in its course, over Syria ... since we have but an imperfect knowledge of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

The Water of Life;
... 'The words that I ... be in it, and his servants shall serve him' without molestation
(Revelation 22 ... We must also labour for more clear Scripture knowledge of this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

What does it mean to speak life? | GotQuestions.org

Is saying 'OMG' or words like geez still taking the Lord's name in vain? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Qur'an? | GotQuestions.org

Words: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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