Job 12:20 – “He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 12:20, Job speaks about God’s power to take away wisdom and influence from those who are considered wise or authoritative. The verse shows that God can silence “trusted advisers” and remove the “discernment” of elders. In Job’s time, advisers and elders were respected leaders who offered guidance and wisdom in decision-making. Job is making the point that no matter how wise or trusted someone may be, God can strip away their ability to lead or guide if He chooses.
Job’s words reflect the idea that human wisdom, no matter how great, is still subject to the will of God. People who are known for their insight or leadership can suddenly lose their ability to give sound advice if God allows it. Job is reminding his listeners that even the best human wisdom is limited and that true wisdom and discernment come from God alone.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, especially in Job’s time, elders and advisers held positions of great respect. Elders were often the most experienced and knowledgeable members of the community, and their advice was highly valued in both family and societal matters. Advisers to kings or rulers were trusted to help guide major decisions, and their influence could shape the course of nations.
However, Job recognizes that human wisdom and leadership are not infallible. The understanding and discernment of even the most respected elders can be taken away if God chooses. This idea would have been countercultural in a time when people placed great trust in their elders and leaders. Job is showing that, ultimately, only God’s wisdom is perfect and eternal.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse points to God’s sovereignty over human wisdom and leadership. While humans may acquire knowledge, experience, and wisdom, these are still gifts from God and can be withdrawn at His will. Job 12:20 reminds us that wisdom is not something we possess by right; it is something God gives and can take away.
This also speaks to the limits of human understanding. No matter how wise someone might appear, their wisdom is still dependent on God’s sustaining power. It teaches us to be humble about our own understanding and to recognize that all true wisdom comes from God. Leaders, elders, and advisers are to depend on God’s guidance, knowing that without Him, their discernment can fail.
Literary Analysis
Job 12:20 uses parallelism, a common literary feature in Hebrew poetry. The two phrases—“He silences the lips of trusted advisers” and “takes away the discernment of elders”—mirror each other, reinforcing the same idea: that human wisdom and authority are subject to God’s will. The imagery of silencing trusted voices and removing discernment highlights the fragility of human authority.
The structure of this verse fits into a larger section of Job’s discourse where he reflects on God’s power and control over all aspects of life, including nature, rulers, and human wisdom. The choice of the words “silences” and “takes away” paints a picture of God’s ability to stop even the most respected individuals from exercising their influence, showing that all power and wisdom ultimately belong to Him.
Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 21:30 – “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” This verse echoes the idea that human wisdom is nothing compared to God’s power.
- Isaiah 29:14 – “The wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.” Similar to Job 12:20, this verse emphasizes that human wisdom can be removed by God.
- 1 Corinthians 1:19 – “For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.'” The Apostle Paul, quoting Isaiah, speaks of how God can reduce human wisdom to nothing, aligning with Job’s point.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 12:20 serves as a reminder that wisdom and discernment are gifts from God. It challenges us to remain humble, even when we have experience or knowledge, because God is the true source of all wisdom. No matter how much we think we know, our wisdom is fragile and can only thrive when grounded in God’s truth.
This verse also reminds us to rely on God, not on human wisdom alone. While it’s important to seek wise counsel and respect the guidance of elders and leaders, we must remember that even trusted voices can fail. Ultimately, we need to depend on God’s Word and His Spirit for true understanding and direction.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Job 12:20 reflects God’s love in the way He governs wisdom and leadership. God’s ability to silence advisers and take away discernment may seem harsh at first, but it actually reflects His care for His people. God will not allow human wisdom or leadership to operate unchecked when it leads people away from His truth. In His love, He can humble even the wisest leaders to remind them, and us, that true wisdom comes from Him.
God’s love is also shown in His desire to guide us in truth. When human wisdom fails, God is always ready to offer His perfect wisdom to those who seek it. His willingness to remove false or misguided wisdom is a loving act of protection, steering us toward what is right.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of wisdom and discernment. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the “wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). His teachings and life perfectly embody what true wisdom looks like. Unlike the advisers and elders mentioned in Job 12:20, whose wisdom can be taken away, Jesus’ wisdom is eternal and unshakable.
Jesus also confronts the religious leaders of His time, many of whom were considered wise by worldly standards but were leading people astray with their false teachings and pride (Matthew 23). Jesus showed that true wisdom isn’t about position or reputation but about humility and faithfulness to God’s truth. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers us access to the wisdom of God, which far surpasses human understanding.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Job 12:20 challenge your view of human wisdom and authority?
- In what ways do you rely on human wisdom rather than seeking God’s wisdom?
- How can this verse encourage you to be humble, even when you have experience or knowledge in a certain area?
- How does Jesus’ life and teachings show us what true wisdom looks like?
- What steps can you take to rely more on God’s guidance rather than solely on the advice of others or your own understanding?
Job 12:20 reminds us that human wisdom is fragile and dependent on God’s will. It encourages us to be humble and to trust in God’s wisdom above all else. As Christians, we can look to Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of wisdom, for guidance in our lives, knowing that His wisdom is eternal and perfect. Through faith in Him, we can walk in true discernment and understanding.