What is the meaning of Job 5:12? He thwarts God actively steps in to block evil intentions. We see this pattern throughout Scripture: • “The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations” (Psalm 33:10). • “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail” (Proverbs 19:21). These passages underline that the Almighty is no passive observer; He intervenes, overruling what contradicts His righteousness. the schemes Schemes are calculated plans designed to secure an advantage, often at someone else’s expense. Scripture shows that while people can be clever, their plotting never catches God off guard. Compare with Psalm 2:1–4, where nations conspire but the Lord “sits in the heavens and laughs.” His foreknowledge and power render every deceitful blueprint ineffective. of the crafty “The crafty” are those who rely on manipulation instead of moral integrity—think of Haman in Esther 3–7 or the advisers against Daniel in Daniel 6. Job 12:16 affirms, “With Him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are His”. Even the most sophisticated strategists remain under God’s authority. so that This phrase shows purpose. God’s thwarting is not random; He restrains evil to protect His people, uphold justice, and display His glory. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” His deliberate actions steer history toward His redemptive ends. their hands “Hands” symbolize action and execution. A plot is merely an idea until hands put it into motion. When God intervenes, He stops the plan at the point of action—illustrated when the Red Sea closed over Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14) or when Saul’s weapons could not touch David despite multiple attempts (1 Samuel 19–26). find no success The outcome is certain failure. Isaiah 54:17 rings true: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” God’s nullification may appear delayed, but it is inevitable. He might confuse communication (Genesis 11), turn plans upon the plotters (Esther 7:10), or simply render efforts fruitless (Psalm 146:4). summary Job 5:12 reassures us that God sovereignly disrupts wicked plotting. However intricate the plan or skilled the schemer, the Lord’s intervention empties their hands of power and denies them success. His people can rest in the certainty that righteousness, not cunning, ultimately prevails. |