Job 12:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 12:11
11 Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?
Chapter Context
Job 12 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, love, redemption. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 12:11
11 Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?
Analysis
'Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?' Job uses two physical analogies: ears discerning words as mouths taste food. The verb 'try' (בָּחַן, bachan—test, examine, prove) suggests careful evaluation. Just as the palate distinguishes flavors, rational minds should evaluate arguments. Job appeals to his friends' discernment—they should test his words rather than dismiss them. This assumes truth corresponds to reality and can be evaluated through reason illuminated by revelation. The Reformed tradition values the mind renewed by the Spirit (Romans 12:2), rejecting both anti-intellectualism and rationalism divorced from Scripture. Job calls for honest evaluation, not blind acceptance of traditional formulas.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature valued discernment and tested truth claims against experience and tradition. Job here appeals to this value, asking his friends to actually evaluate his arguments rather than merely assert orthodoxy.
Reflection
- How do we cultivate discernment that neither blindly accepts tradition nor arrogantly dismisses it?
- What role does reason play in evaluating theological claims, and what are its limits?
Cross-References
- Word: Job 34:3