Job 33:17
“That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.”
What does Job 33:17 mean?
Elihu is describing one of God's purposes in speaking to us through dreams and visions, even difficult ones. When life gets hard or we face troubling dreams, it can actually serve to redirect us away from paths we're stubborn about following and to soften the pride that keeps us isolated and defensive. Sometimes we need to be shaken out of our certainty that we know best, or reminded that we're not as self-sufficient as we believe. This verse suggests that even uncomfortable spiritual experiences can be gifts, gently pulling us back toward wisdom and humility when we're drifting.