Meaning, commentary and cross references
Job 23:10
“But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
NIV · New International Version
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
WEB · World English Bible
But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.
What does Job 23:10 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Job 23:10
But he knoweth the way that I take,.... This he seems to say in a way of solace to himself, comforting and contenting himself, that though he could not find God, nor knew where he was, or what way he took, nor the reasons of his ways and dispensations with the children of men, and with himself, yet God knew where he was, and what way he took; by which he means either the way he took, being directed to it for his acceptance with God, his justification before him, and eternal salvation; which was his living Redeemer, he looked unto by faith for righteousness and eternal life: or rather the way and manner of life he took to, the course of his conversation, walking in all the commandments and…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Job 23:8–12
From this Job infers, When he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold. Those that keep the way of the Lord may comfort themselves, when they are in affliction, with these three things: - [1.] That they are but tried. It is not intended for their hurt, but for their honour and benefit; it is the trial of their faith, Pe1 1:7. [2.]
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Job 23:7–13 (WEB)
7There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge. 8“If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I can’t find him. 9He works to the north, but I can’t see him. He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him. 10But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold. 11My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned away. 12I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. 13But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.
Cross references
- James 1:12
Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him.
- 1 Peter 1:7
that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—
- James 1:2–4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations,
- Psalms 139:1–3
- Proverbs 17:3
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.
- Psalms 66:10
- Zechariah 13:9
I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, ‘It is my people;’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”
- Psalms 17:3