Job 12:20
He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.
Original Language Analysis
שָׂ֭פָה
the speech
H8193
שָׂ֭פָה
the speech
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
2 of 6
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
לְנֶאֱמָנִ֑ים
of the trusty
H539
לְנֶאֱמָנִ֑ים
of the trusty
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
Historical Context
Ancient cultures veneratedthe elderly as repositories of wisdom (the basis for councils of elders). Job's claim that God can remove their understanding challenges cultural assumptions about automatic wisdom through age and experience.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance respecting elders with recognizing that age doesn't guarantee wisdom?
- When has trust in someone's reputation or experience led to accepting error?
- What role does God's active work play in granting or withholding spiritual discernment?
Analysis & Commentary
God removes speech from the trusted and takes away understanding from the aged. The Hebrew 'aman' (trusted/reliable ones) and 'zaqen' (elders) represented society's most authoritative voices. Job argues that God can and does remove discernment even from those whom society trusts most. This cuts against the friends' confidence in traditional wisdom—age and reputation don't guarantee truth when God withdraws insight.