Job 12:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 12:20
20 He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.
Chapter Context
Job 12 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, wisdom, creation. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 12:20
20 He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?