17. The work of God. That is, God’s eternal purpose and His dealings with men (see Rom. 11:33-36; Job 11:7, 8).
A wise man. Man is privileged to study God’s created works, and His revealed Word; but he must beware of being “wise in his own conceit” (Prov. 26:5) and of thinking himself able to comprehend the depths of divinity (see Job 11:7). Man’s correct attitude toward God is disclosed in the apostle John’s picture of the redeemed (Rev. 15:3, 4).