How does Job 12:20 connect to Proverbs 21:1 about God's sovereignty? Opening the Text “ He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders.” (Job 12:20) “ A king’s heart is like channeled water in the LORD’s hand; He directs it wherever He pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1) Seeing the Connection: God Governs Leaders Inside and Out • Job 12:20 looks at what God can do to the OUTER life of leaders—He can silence them and strip away their wisdom, literally removing their public influence. • Proverbs 21:1 focuses on the INNER life—God steers a ruler’s hidden motives and decisions as effortlessly as a gardener redirects an irrigation channel. • Together the verses show a seamless sovereignty: – Outside: words, counsel, public authority (Job). – Inside: thoughts, desires, private intentions (Proverbs). – Result: every dimension of leadership lies openly under God’s hand. What This Teaches about Sovereignty • No human authority is autonomous. Whether an elder in Job’s day or a monarch in Solomon’s, God reserves the right to: – Grant or withdraw eloquence (Exodus 4:11; Luke 1:20). – Give or withhold understanding (Daniel 2:21). – Bend decisions toward His plan (Isaiah 10:5-7; Acts 4:27-28). • God’s control is precise, not passive. Just as water flows exactly where a channel guides it, so a ruler’s heart flows exactly where God intends. • The pattern is consistent across Scripture: – Pharaoh’s hardened heart (Exodus 9–14). – Nebuchadnezzar’s humbled mind (Daniel 4:34-35). – Pilate’s reluctant verdict (John 19:10-11). Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Pray confidently for leaders—God genuinely holds their voices and hearts (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Rest instead of fret—no policy, decree, or election result can outrun God’s channeling hand (Psalm 33:10-11). • Seek wisdom from Him, not merely from human experts. If God can revoke discernment from seasoned elders, He alone can supply it to anyone who asks (James 1:5). • Walk humbly in any position of influence. The same Lord who grants speech and insight can withdraw them (Job 12:20; Luke 12:16-21). Scriptures to Explore Dan 2:20-21; Psalm 75:6-7; Isaiah 40:23-24; Lamentations 3:37-38; Romans 13:1 |
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