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Job 12

Jb 12


Job 12

1 And Job answered and said,

2 No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.

3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

4 I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn.

5 He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.

6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.

7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:

8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.

9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?

10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

11 Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?

12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.



14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.

15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.

16 With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.

17 He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.

18 He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.

19 He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty.

20 He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.

21 He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.

22 He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.

23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.

24 He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.

25 They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.

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Summary and the Meaning of Chapter 12 of the Book of Job in KJV Holy Bible

The Book of Job, found in the Old Testament of the KJV Holy Bible, is a complex and thought-provoking text that explores the concept of suffering and the nature of God. The book tells the story of Job, a righteous and wealthy man who is tested by God through a series of tragedies and hardships. Throughout the book, Job questions the purpose of his suffering and his friends offer differing perspectives on the matter. Chapter 12 is a pivotal chapter in the book, as it marks a shift in Job's attitude and understanding of his situation. In this essay, we will explore the main themes of this chapter and the deeper meaning it brings to the overall message of the Book of Job.

The Context of Chapter 12

Before delving into the content of Chapter 12, it is important to provide some context for the events leading up to this point. In the first two chapters of the book, we are introduced to Job, a man who is described as being "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1). Satan, the adversary of God, challenges Job's righteousness and suggests that he is only faithful to God because of his wealth and prosperity. In response, God allows Satan to test Job's faith by taking away his possessions, his children, and his health.

Despite all of this, Job remains faithful to God and refuses to curse Him. Three of Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, come to comfort him in his suffering. However, they soon begin to question Job's righteousness and suggest that his suffering must be a punishment from God for some hidden sin. Job, on the other hand, maintains his innocence and continues to question God's justice and mercy.

The Main Themes of Chapter 12

Chapter 12 is a turning point in the book, as we see a shift in Job's attitude towards his suffering. In the previous chapters, Job has been lamenting and questioning the purpose of his trials. However, in Chapter 12, we see a more defiant and assertive Job who begins to challenge the perspectives of his friends and assert his own understanding of God's nature.

God's Sovereignty and Wisdom

One of the main themes of Chapter 12 is the sovereignty and wisdom of God. Job begins by acknowledging that God is all-powerful and that no one can question His authority or understanding. He says, "No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you" (Job 12:2). This statement is directed towards his friends, who have been trying to offer explanations for his suffering based on their limited understanding of God's ways.

Job goes on to say, "With Him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his" (Job 12:16). This statement highlights the fact that God is in control of everything, including both the righteous and the wicked. Job's friends have been suggesting that his suffering is a punishment for his sins, but Job asserts that God is in control of everything and that He has a purpose for both the righteous and the wicked.

The Fragility of Human Life

Another theme that is explored in Chapter 12 is the fragility of human life. Job acknowledges that God has the power to give and take away, and that human life is fleeting and temporary. He says, "In His hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10). This statement highlights the fact that God is the giver and sustainer of life, and that our time on this earth is limited and ultimately in His hands.

Job also acknowledges the reality of death and the fact that no one can escape it. He says, "He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: He enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way" (Job 12:23-24). This statement highlights the fact that God has the power to bring nations and leaders to power, but He also has the power to bring them down and cause them to wander without direction.

The Injustice of Suffering

One of the most prominent themes in the Book of Job is the injustice of suffering. Job, who is described as a blameless and upright man, is facing unimaginable suffering and hardship. In Chapter 12, Job begins to question the fairness of his situation and the justice of God. He says, "He [God] mocketh at the calamity of the innocent" (Job 12:4). This statement highlights the fact that Job believes he is innocent and yet is still facing extreme suffering.

Job also questions the inconsistencies in God's justice, saying, "He [God] looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle. He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty. He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged" (Job 12:18-20). This statement highlights the fact that God has the power to bring down rulers and those in positions of power, even if they are innocent and righteous.

The Meaning of Chapter 12

Chapter 12 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Job, as it marks a shift in Job's attitude and understanding of his situation. In the previous chapters, Job has been questioning the purpose of his suffering and the justice of God. However, in this chapter, we see a more assertive and defiant Job who begins to challenge the perspectives of his friends and assert his own understanding of God's nature.

One of the key messages of Chapter 12 is the sovereignty and wisdom of God. Job acknowledges that God is in control of everything and that His ways are beyond human understanding. This message is meant to remind us that we should not try to explain or justify the suffering in our lives, as it is ultimately in God's hands.

Another important message in Chapter 12 is the fragility of human life. Job reminds us that our time on this earth is limited and that death is a reality that we cannot escape. This message is meant to humble us and remind us of our dependence on God for every breath we take.

Finally, Chapter 12 also highlights the injustice of suffering. Job, who is described as a blameless and upright man, is facing unimaginable suffering and hardship. This message is meant to challenge our understanding of God's justice and to remind us that suffering is not always a punishment for sin.

The Significance of Chapter 12 in the Book of Job

Chapter 12 is a significant chapter in the Book of Job for several reasons. Firstly, it marks a turning point in Job's attitude and understanding of his situation. In the previous chapters, Job has been lamenting and questioning the purpose of his suffering. However, in this chapter, we see a more assertive and defiant Job who begins to challenge the perspectives of his friends and assert his own understanding of God's nature.

Secondly, Chapter 12 highlights some of the key themes of the Book of Job, including the sovereignty and wisdom of God, the fragility of human life, and the injustice of suffering. These themes are central to the overall message of the book and are further developed in later chapters.

Finally, Chapter 12 serves as a reminder to readers that suffering is a universal experience and that even the most righteous and blameless individuals are not immune to it. This message is meant to challenge our understanding of God's justice and to remind us that suffering is often a mystery that we cannot fully comprehend.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Chapter 12 of the Book of Job is a pivotal chapter that marks a shift in Job's attitude and understanding of his situation. In this chapter, we see a more assertive and defiant Job who begins to challenge the perspectives of his friends and assert his own understanding of God's nature. The main themes of this chapter include God's sovereignty and wisdom, the fragility of human life, and the injustice of suffering. These themes are central to the overall message of the book and serve as a reminder to readers that suffering is a universal experience that we may never fully understand.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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