I definitely recommend Java. It has the right level of difficulty and the right features that a novice have to face and learn. POO, compile, config files, libraries and many other concepts that prepare you for any other language out there. Also Java always means high performance development, which means that if you are good enough it could take you to collaborate with large and high budget projects. So Java definitely puts you in a good position in the market and of course provides you with powerful knowledge.