In what ways can Job 12:20 guide our prayers for leaders today? Job 12:20 in Focus “He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders.” What This Verse Reveals about God’s Role over Leaders • God actively governs the very abilities leaders rely on—speech and discernment. • Even the most respected (“trusted…elders”) remain subject to His sovereign control. • Wisdom and influence are not self-generated; they can be withheld or withdrawn at His will (cf. Daniel 2:20–21; Psalm 75:6-7). Why This Matters for Our Prayer Life • Because God holds the “on/off switch” for every leader’s wisdom, intercession becomes our first line of action, not our last resort. • When we pray, we are appealing directly to the One who can open or close a leader’s mouth and mind (cf. Proverbs 21:1). Specific Ways to Pray for Leaders Today 1. Ask God to GRANT speech that is… – Truthful and free from deception (Ephesians 4:25). – Courageous when righteousness demands it (Acts 4:29). – Tempered with grace and respect (Colossians 4:6). 2. Ask God to BESTOW discernment that is… – Anchored in reverence for Him—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). – Insightful enough to distinguish good from evil, especially on moral issues affecting society (Hebrews 5:14). – Forward-looking, able to foresee consequences and protect the vulnerable (Proverbs 2:11). 3. Ask God to RESTRAIN harmful leadership by… – Silencing words that promote injustice or rebellion against His standards (Psalm 94:20). – Confounding councils that plot evil (2 Samuel 15:31). – Removing or limiting influence when leaders persist in ungodliness (Job 12:24-25). 4. Thank God when He PROVIDES leaders who… – Humbly acknowledge their dependence on Him (James 4:6). – Seek wisdom above popularity or political gain (1 Kings 3:9). – Promote peace and godliness, enabling believers to “lead tranquil and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Living the Lesson • Treat headlines as prompts to pray, not merely to react. • Keep a running list of officials—local, national, and global—and attach one of the requests above to each name. • Remember that God’s willingness to intervene is as real today as in Job’s era; His Word stands true, and He still directs the hearts, mouths, and minds of those in authority. |
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