What does Job 12:16 reveal about God's control over both the deceived and deceiver? Job 12:16 in Focus “True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His.” What the Verse Says at Face Value - God possesses both “wisdom” and “power”—He is never out-planned or out-muscled. - “The deceived and the deceiver are His.” Both parties, the one fooled and the one doing the fooling, remain under His ownership and jurisdiction. God’s Sovereignty over All People - Ownership language (“are His”) echoes Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.” - Proverbs 21:1 reminds us: “A king’s heart is like a water channel in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” If kings are under His sway, so are deceivers and their victims. - Isaiah 45:7 underscores the same control: “I form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.” How God Governs the Deceived - He limits deception’s reach (1 Corinthians 10:13). - He can use deception to expose hearts and refine faith (Deuteronomy 13:3). - He ultimately leads His own into truth (Psalm 25:5). How God Governs the Deceiver - He may restrain, redirect, or even employ a deceiver to accomplish larger purposes (1 Kings 22:19-23). - He never authors evil in Himself (James 1:13), yet He rules over those who choose it, ensuring no plot escapes His plan (Genesis 50:20). - Final justice is guaranteed: deceivers will reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7). Why This Matters for Us Today - Assurance: nothing slips from God’s grasp—even lies and liars must answer to Him. - Humility: we’re all dependent on His wisdom to avoid deception (Jeremiah 17:9). - Confidence in Scripture: God’s Word stands unshaken by human schemes (Psalm 33:10-11). - Motivation to walk in truth, trusting the God who reigns over every tongue and tactic. Living in Light of Job 12:16 - Seek God’s wisdom daily; He alone discerns truth perfectly (James 1:5). - Guard your heart with Scripture so you’re less vulnerable to deceit (Psalm 119:11). - Rest in God’s justice—He will deal with deceivers in His time (Romans 12:19). - Share truth graciously; you’re partnering with the One who already rules both the deceived and the deceiver (Ephesians 4:15). |
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