Job 12:13

Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His.

Study Bible

Wisdom and strength belong to God;
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and omnipotence of God. In the context of the Book of Job, Job is responding to his friends, asserting that true wisdom and power are found in God alone, not in human understanding. This echoes the biblical theme that God is the source of all wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." The strength mentioned here is not just physical might but also the power to govern the universe, as seen in the creation narrative in Genesis 1. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ, who is described as the "power of God and the wisdom of God" in 1 Corinthians 1:24.

counsel and understanding are His.
This part of the verse highlights God's role as the ultimate counselor and source of understanding. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings and rulers were often seen as sources of wisdom and counsel, but Job points to God as the supreme authority. This is consistent with Isaiah 40:13-14, which asks rhetorically who has directed the Spirit of the Lord or been His counselor. The idea of God as the ultimate source of understanding is also reflected in the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit is described as the Counselor in John 14:26. This phrase underscores the belief that God's plans and purposes are beyond human comprehension, aligning with Romans 11:33, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.

2. God
The Almighty Creator, who is the source of wisdom, strength, counsel, and understanding, as acknowledged by Job in this verse.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer their perspectives on his suffering, often attributing it to sin or lack of understanding.

4. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, known for its wisdom traditions.

5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, where Job defends his integrity and questions the simplistic theology of his friends.

Teaching Points

Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
Recognize that all wisdom and strength originate from God. In times of uncertainty, turn to Him for guidance and understanding.

Humility in Seeking Counsel
Approach God with humility, acknowledging that human wisdom is limited. Seek His counsel in prayer and through His Word.

Trust in Divine Understanding
Trust that God's understanding surpasses human comprehension. In difficult situations, rely on His perfect wisdom rather than solely on human reasoning.

The Role of Suffering in Gaining Wisdom
Understand that suffering can be a tool for gaining deeper insight into God's character and purposes. Reflect on personal trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Community and Counsel
Engage with a community of believers for support and counsel, but always weigh human advice against the wisdom found in Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job 12:13 challenge our understanding of wisdom and strength in the context of personal trials?

2. In what ways can we practically seek God's wisdom and counsel in our daily lives, according to the teachings of Job and other scriptures?

3. How does acknowledging God's sovereignty in wisdom and strength affect our response to suffering and adversity?

4. What role does community play in helping us discern God's wisdom, and how can we ensure that the counsel we receive aligns with biblical truth?

5. Reflect on a time when you relied on God's understanding rather than your own. What was the outcome, and how did it strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 2:6
This verse emphasizes that the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom is divine.

Isaiah 40:28
Highlights God's everlasting strength and understanding, which is unsearchable, aligning with Job's acknowledgment of God's attributes.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously, connecting to the idea that wisdom is a divine gift.