Job

Job Chapter 12

Job Replies: The Lord Has Done This

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.

I guess Job has had enough of accusations and assumptions from his friends. At the beginning of the book of Job it would seem as if his friends were sincere and for real when they sat with him and mourned for 7 days and seemed to be grieved at his sufferings. Why they turned on him with their words we don't know, but waiting seemed to make their accusations more believable then if they would have spoken at the beginning.

Job 12:5 He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.

Job feels like his friends despise him now and were just there to mock him instead of bringing comfort.

Job 12:6 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.

He seems to think at this time that God allows the suffering of mankind as well as beasts and does not interphere in their life. Sometimes it may seem this way but at times but I've seen God intervene in things. People have posted videos of men seeing a stranded animal caught in mess they couldn't free themselves from and by chance someone comes along just at the right time to rescue them even to the point of endangering their own lives. I have escaped accidents before and close calls. Who knows but what God sends angels to help at those times.

We really do not always see the works of God in our midst but if we look, we can find them. Most of us that have read the end of this book, know what joys await Job but right now he can't see them. When one is in pain though, it's hard for them to see what is going on in the heavenlies. Our eyes are blinded with pain and fear many times and we lose sight of our creator. Most of the time though, it is temporary. We lack understanding but God always comes through for those that trust in Him.

Job 12:11 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.

We sometimes forget the wisdom that comes from the older generations. Experience is a good teacher. We learn by our failures and mistakes. I have a good neighbor that is experienced in growing flowers. She helps us many times when she sees we are making mistakes like pruning at the wrong times and such. I appreciate her help. I miss the days of hearing the wisdom of those older than I am. By now most have gone on to be with the Lord.

Our ears hear words and then we think about them and get understanding of what is meant. We taste food and then decide whether it tastes good or bad. Reading the word of God is like feeding the soul with good things as we read the words of those the ancient writings that God has inspired men to write.

Job 12:14 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.

One would think that with God having all power over all that goes on in the universe, that we would choose to love and serve Him instead of doing our own thing or worshipping an idol that can't see, hear, think, help us out of trouble, heal, or even move. It blows my mind to read about some people or nations bowing down to statues and idols built by man. Man melts metal and forms images. How in the world can they start thinking an image can do miracles and help them in times of need?

Job 12:20 He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.

King Nebuchadnezzar was taken from his throne and lived among the beats for 7 years. He lost his mind because he exalted himself above God. God had mercy and restored him in the long run. This is told to us in the book of Daniel. Daniel who was faithful to God during the captivity of Israel prophesied of this before it happened.

Job 12:21 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.

At His (God's) word nations rise and nations fall. At His word our country can be history with no future or existence. We stand or fall at His will. Where is Babylon today, the Roman Empire, the Greek Empire, Assyria? Hitler, Stalin, or other leaders that thought they could rule the world?

Job 12:24 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.

He created light to shine upon the earth. He can quickly remove it. In the story of Exodus, we read how Egypt was 3 days in darkness where the sun didn't shine upon them but the place where the children of Israel dwelt, was light. DC

Job Chapter 13