What is the meaning of Job 12:20? He deprives the trusted of speech Job is describing the Lord’s absolute sovereignty over human abilities, even the power to speak. People society counts on—officials, counselors, leaders—can suddenly find themselves tongue-tied when God withholds their words. • God alone controls the mouth: “Who gave man his mouth? … Is it not I, the LORD?” (Exodus 4:11). • He can stop speech as discipline or protection; Zechariah was rendered mute for unbelief (Luke 1:20). • Silencing the influential exposes human dependence: “They are dismayed and can no longer respond; words have escaped them” (Job 32:15). • When rulers turn arrogant, the Lord “pours contempt on nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland” (Psalm 107:40). The verse reminds us that eloquence and platform are gifts, not guarantees. At any moment God may silence a voice we assumed indispensable, underscoring that His purposes never rely on human rhetoric. and takes away the discernment of elders In Scripture, “elders” represent experience, wisdom, and counsel. Yet even their insight evaporates when God chooses. • “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings … He gives wisdom to the wise” (Daniel 2:21). If He can give, He can also withhold. • The Lord thwarted Ahithophel’s brilliant strategy so “the LORD could bring disaster on Absalom” (2 Samuel 17:14). • Isaiah warns, “The wisdom of the wise will perish” (Isaiah 29:14); Jeremiah laments, “Has counsel perished from the prudent?” (Jeremiah 49:7). • Nebuchadnezzar lost and regained sanity at God’s word (Daniel 4:31-34), a living illustration of discernment granted and removed. • Paul echoes the theme: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:19). When discernment fades, it is neither accident nor age alone—it is the deliberate hand of the Lord, reminding every generation that true understanding begins with fearing Him (Proverbs 9:10). summary Job 12:20 paints a vivid picture of God’s uncontested rule over both speech and understanding. He can silence the most trusted spokesperson and confuse the shrewdest elder whenever it serves His righteous purposes. Our confidence, therefore, cannot rest in articulate leaders or seasoned advisers but in the God who grants—and withdraws—every human ability. |
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