Job 38:2

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Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. (KJV)

This verse can be (ab)used as a knock-down argument by either side in any competition between biblical and scientific evidence, equivalent to "what would you know?" — an implied or explicit ad hominem argument. It was quoted by Brother T Griffith in his passionate reply to C. C. Walker, in defence of his Bible-based belief in Geocentrism – extract below. — Bruce

“Obscurantism” finds a clear Bible definition in God’s query to Job,—“Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2). To enable Job to realise the measure of his ignorance and the folly of his obscurantism, the Lord further interrogates: “Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou hast understanding?” [See Job 38:4-6].

We need not stay to discuss the answer of Job to such a question, beyond stating that according to the belief of God-fearing men of ancient times he could have no doubt in his mind as to the earth having real material foundations in the waters beneath.

Bro T. Griffiths,

The Christadelphian, Vol 53, p. 406, 1916

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