Yes, the Book of Job has a lot to say about the “Spirit.”

Though today some of my readers will think I have “stretched” the verse a little! Yet I do believe the “truth” I’m explaining is valid.

Our Text today: “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” Job 32:8

There seems to be a “parallel” set of words in our verse. The “spirit” in man and the “Inspiration” of the Almighty! And the One teaches the other!

The “inspiration of the Almighty” here gives understanding, prudence, wisdom, discernment (all synonyms) to the “spirit” in man!

This is the same idea Paul elucidates in Romans 8:16. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Here’s God’s HOLY SPIRIT “bearing witness” (communing together) with our human “spirit,” thus proving we are indeed “saved” by the Grace of God!

Again I say, that’s a lot like Job 32:8. “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”

The word for “spirit” as concerning “man” is “ruach,” used a total of 378 times in the Bible (Old Testament) and the normal word for the Holy Spirit as well. It means (in addition to “spirit” of course) “breath, wind, air,” and even “courage” once! (Joshua 2:11 is the “courage” instance.)

And the noun for “inspiration” is “neshamah,” rare indeed, found only 24 times in Scripture! It means “breath, spirit,” and even “blast” (of air) 3 times! It is derived from the verb “nasham,” meaning “to pant” and is used of a woman in labor pangs, about to give birth! A very strong word indeed!

God’s MIGHTY Spirit, energized and intense, instructing me!

My innermost being, my human “spirit!”

Wow!

PROOF I am saved!

Here’s our Job verse in action, quoting Jesus Himself now! “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

Job again: “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”

All I can do or say … is bow and worship my Heavenly king, my Lord and Saviour … and praise His Name, thanking Him for the education!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell