Job 12:11-25 – God is in control, sovereignly

Job responded in exasperation to the sermonizing of his three friends. The words of Zophar triggered a tirade of sarcasm from him. He felt that he was nowhere lesser then anyone of them in wisdom. So, he questioned their conceit and told them that there was nothing great about their wisdom. Job felt that by observing animals, birds and fish one could already conclude that God is in control of everything, implying that there was really nothing great about his friends’ wisdom.  

In verses 11-25, Job shows that wisdom can also be attained by listening to the elders’ conversation on the subject. He had no issue learning from the advice of others, especially when what they said were relevant. While he acknowledged the wisdom of the elders, he insisted that they ought to be evaluated. Like the hearing faculty distinguishes the sound of words and the taste bud distinguishes food, so one ought to discern what one hears with his ear. As far as Job knew, God alone has wisdom. And He also has the might to execute His wisdom.  Verses 14-15 speak of God’s total control. He can bring ruin to walled cities and absolutely no man can escape from His hand. He controls the source of water that had resulted in drought or cataclysmic destruction upon the earth. To God there is no difference between one who has erred and one who misleads. They are equally in His hand. God is impartial. He can and does suddenly change the circumstances of man. Job here provides a whole litany of examples:  counsellors, judges, kings, priests, secured one, even trusted ones, elders, as well as princes, nobles and the strong. They are all under God’s control. He alone sees and understands profound mysteries. It is He who would bring them to light or conceal them from men. But at the right time, He does make known His eternal counsels. He is in sovereign control.    

It is good to know that God is in control of every situation in life. He is trustworthy. Hence, we take the counsel of Paul to understand what the will of God is for our life. Then to walk circumspectly before Him, not as fools but as wise. Redeeming the opportunities because the days are evil.