I have long had an interest in the book of Job, as I in my early experiences - like suffering Job - was also confronted with many “physicians of no value, and forgers of lies”- whose earthly wisdom did not accord with the divine truth that had been revealed in my heart concerning God’s salvation to His people, His super abounding Grace, and His all- compassing and over- ruling Providence- which I also felt was then being revealed to me in the Holy Scriptures. (which I had before known little or nothing about)

Suffering Job may have spoken some ill-advised words, and some (if not all) the admonitions brought upon Job by Elihu may have been justifiable and for our learning; but in the main - as especially concerning God and His Divine Providence (which seems to be the primary subject we are dealing with here) Job was on the right track far more than His “friends”. This is clearly shown near the end of the book where in judgment upon the friends of Job they were required to make a sacrifice unto the Lord (as was customary in those times) Notice that nothing is said by the Lord about or to the young man who was called Elihu. God said to them by or through Eliphaz:

“… And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job…”Jpb 42:7-8.

“.. Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. Zophar - Job 10:2-4.

On the surface, or superficially, much of Zophar’s wisdom seems plausible: But like many preachers we hear today, they cannot “carry through” with much consistently without introducing many errors concerning God and His dealing with man. Like a legal contract, that which it gives to you one place may take it away in another. (The fine print) And like conditional (salvation) preachers in general: after they have stated a good and fair form of truth, they make it of no real effect by adding propositions and “offers of acceptance” to it which essentially ends up in denying the power of God in the wisdom and effectual work of salvation that God wrought in His Son; but by placing mere invitations and offers as presented to the recipients thereof, they “destroy again the things they once built” and therefore present the promises of God as of no real effect in such a perverted gospel - While actually all the promises of God in Christ are Yea and Amen to the glory of Himself; but a Yea and Nay Gospel is of little, or no value to a believer in free grace alone - except to perhaps try their faith. This kind of gospel was especially dealt with by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians, and such a Yea and Nay gospel yet abounds throughout the religious world of Christendom.

CHAPTER 12

And Job answered and said, No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these? I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn. He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease…” Job 12:1-5.

The things (or wisdom) that Zophar is dealing with in his speech are things that are common (knowledge) in human wisdom; But the Apostle has said: “..And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God…” 1 Cor 2:1-5:

Many live with what seems to be a sort of delusionary view of the world and its attendant success (or loss of) prosperity which is based mostly upon the merits of human goodness and idealism, and not upon the reality of the world as it actually appears and exists; but they encouch and express a view formed mostly from the dictates of inherent human wisdom. I consider that this was the main point of argument between Job and Zophar, along with Job’s other friends, who expressed essentially the same wisdom and argument as did Zophar here.

Job’s answer in chapter 12 generally sums up God’s dealing with His world and that in accordance with His Own Sovereign Will -as Job strongly points out in his answers to these men. - Mind that I am not attempting to justify the commission of sin, or to ignore God’s judgments upon the wickedness of man; because these things are also included in His Law and Purpose of dealing with man.

“..Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne…” Psa 97:2.

While we would not forget to speak especially of His sweet mercy which embraces all His works:

“…The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works…” Psa 145:9.

We see this truth especially expressed by the Apostle Paul when he addressed the Athenians on Mars Hill, and when he and Barnabas came into Lystra - along with many other wonderful truths:

“… And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us..” Acts 17:26-27.

“… Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness…” Acts 14:16-17.

“… And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?..” Jonah 4:11.

There are many mysteries in earth and beyond that appear to human wisdom, emotions and sympathies which cannot be comprehended or reconciled within the understanding of man’s feeble and limited wisdom presented in and by human nature. Job did not presume to question God in these things; but really brought to view that they were all the sovereign work of His Own Hand and Purpose. (verse 9.) Job was certainly a complainer in his affliction; but he was never a blasphemer or profaner of the name of God; but rather he brought to the front many of the questions that often try and confront our understanding - especially when under great trials of affliction - which Job was now enduring.

Some have even taken almost the opposite view of chapter 12 and have assumed that this is one of the main speeches where Job was “answering for wicked men” as expressed later in the narrative in Elihu’s speech. (Job 34:36) However, I see a wonderful expression of the absolute sovereignty of God revealed in this chapter, and it is given especially to teach God’s children that God has a wonderful purpose in all things, (by Job’s reference and comparison to all earthly nature) including the severe trials and tribulations that many experience - though they are not able to comprehend or find a reason for them when searching their own understanding:

“…Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” Prov 3:5-6.

He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease…” ver 5

The latter expression by Job is a common principle found in the mind of the natural man, as I have found the manifestation of it in my own fleshly emotions; when on the other hand I should have felt pity and sympathy for my suffering comrades - Instead a kind of indifference and even contempt has arisen in my vile heart. This seems to be the case with Job between him and his friends as he expresses later in the 16 th chapter.

“… I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should assuage your grief…” Job:16:4-5.

Job continues with many important facts of the world around us and human life in general that abound to this day in human society. Job does not attribute these things to fortuitous circumstances or only blind chance, but attributes them to God’s Purpose, which is known only to Himself, and shows that God is sovereignly in control of all (these) things, And even though the wickedness of these provoke God’s Holy nature and His Law for man, His Purpose still upholds them.

“..The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly…” ver 6.

This statement by Job is also intended to be a direct refutation of the insinuations and implied charges of Job’s friends that Job’s chastisement must be due solely to some (perhaps) secret sin(s) in Job’s life; but Job had been recognized by all as a righteous and upright man (and had God’s approbation Himself of Job’s character in the beginning of the narrative when the reader is taken behind the scenes by the inspired narrator.) - This is not to imply that Job was free from sin in his inherent nature, but that he followed an upright and honest life. Therefore it seems that this insinuation, and sometimes when it was even expressed as a charge of wickedness upon Job - must have been really mean on their part, and too, it shows their lack of understanding of what was really taking place with Job, and their little understanding of how God deals with His creation as compared with the wisdom given to Job, notwithstanding his complaints.

“… And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth (avoids, flees) evil?..” Job 1:8.

As mentioned above, Job declares that the nature of all things in earth is made and dictated by the power and purpose of God as he illustrates and points to the animal kingdom whose nature is made and upheld by the Hand of God, including the very existence or life and breath of all mankind.

“… But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind…” verses 7-10.

Job continues with the eternal counsel, wisdom and knowledge of God over all things. And with Paul as in Rom 11 declares that the judgments of God are unsearchable by human wisdom:

“…With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding…” ver 12-13.

“…O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen…” Rom 11:33-36.

Job states that there is no power but the power of God: and with Paul proclaims that all the powers that exist are ordained by Him: That there is no divice, wisdom or knowlwdge that can possibly be effective against the Counsel and purpose of God; but rather fulfills His counsel, as when wicked men took and crucified the Lord of Glory:

“…There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD…” Prov 21:30.

“…Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God…” Rom 13:1.

“… For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist…” Col 1:16-17.

“…Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain…” Acts 2:23.

“…For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done….” Acts 4:27-28.

“… For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him…” Acts 13:27.

“… And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again..” ver 32-33.

Job proceeds to show the absolute and sovereign control of God over all things - especially over the world of mankind and especially in dealing with His own people in destroying their fleshly wisdom for His names’ sake:

“…Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening…”

His called servants experience these things and find that all their strength and help is only in God in Christ, and they are not their own - they are bought with a price - that cost them nothing but the laying down of their fleshly lives for His Name and cause. He sometimes withholds their spiritual waters at His Will, so they become experimentally hungry and thirsty for the bread and water of Life. What seemingly sustained them today cannot be stored up, but must be renewed in them daily. They die daily in their flesh, and therefore must be resurrected daily in their mortal and dying body by the power of Christ in them, for the same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead shall also quicken their mortal and dying bodies by his spirit that dwells in them; (Rom 8:11) Like as Christ was baptized unto death for those who were dead in trespasses and sin, and He revived and raised again for their justification - they spiritually arise with Him into the glorious liberties of the Sons of God. Because they are yet dead in the powerlessness or mortality of their fleshly body without the resurrecting power of Christ manifesting itself within them:

“…But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you…” Rom 8:11.

Many seem to find in these scriptures only an application to the final deliverence in being changed from a mortal body to an immortal or spiritual body in the resurrection to Heaven and Immortal Glory. This is our Hope of the final Eternal Glory in the resurrection of Christ; but actually the resurrection process has already begun in those called unto the Grace of the Gospel. In hope of the great consummation of our resurrection in Christ’s resurrection as the firstfruit from the dead, we daily experience the resurrection of Christ in our daily dying body. That is also why I think Paul added in the context of 1 Cor 15:14 “I die daily”- Although some think Paul may have been referring to actual physical death that he seemed many times exposed to because of his defense of the Gospel in his many perilous travels, as he said he “stood in jeopardy ever hour” because of preaching the resurrection of the dead.

Christ was actually the One Who was “baptized unto death” or “for the dead” for the saints in Paul’s context in 1 Cor 15.

(“.. But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!..” Luke 12:50.)

- And shows that they are also experimentally baptized (or cleansed) with Him. Paul expains this in 1 Cor 15.

“… Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily…” 1 Cor 15:29-31.

Paul goes on in the following verses to show how Christ’s baptism unto death and resurrection from death corresponds directly with the subsequent baptism and spiritual resurrection of those He redeemed from death.

Here is an illustration that shows His children were dead in trespasses and sins, and were consequently baptized by Christ's being made alive by the Spirit. There is a vital connection between Christ’s death and the death they were in. It is their own baptism in the death and resurrection of Christ which is under consideration here. Verse 13 and 14 shows the hopeless state of feeling of the believer in Christ when left to doubt of his own resurrection in Christ’s resurrection, (verse 19,20) Who was baptized for (or for the benefit of) the (spiritually) dead. Paul elsewhere consistently preaches the same gospel, showing that Christ both died and rose again for those who were then dead in trespasses and sin.

“..For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead..” 2 Cor 5:14.

“… But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain…” Ver 13-12.

When we are enabled by faith to believe that Christ has died and taken away our sin, and has been resurrected the firstfruits from the dead, then our faith is not in vain, and we have been experimentally baptized or cleansed for the dead in Christ’s death. The saints were in Christ when He died and was resurrected; They are also spiritually baptized (cleansed), and resurrected as He (actually and literally) was.

The life of the saints is hid with Christ in God, Who is in the Father, and the Father in Him, and they in Christ, and Christ in them. and when Christ Who is their Life appears, they also appear with Him in glory. For the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Lord is, there is liberty from this bondage of corruption unto the glorious liberty of the children of God in Christ.

But back to text under consideration:

“…With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his…”

Job continues with his subject of declaring the absolute control of God over all things (in contrast with the conditionalism presented by Zophar)

“..He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools. He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle. He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty. He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged. He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty…”

All these things we continue to see transpire throughout the history of the world. And shows that Providence is not controlled by the power and wisdom of man; but by the absolute Power and Purpose of God, of which record the Divine Scriptures are replete and also of which secular history abounds.

Not as these things stated by Job are not well known by even the common human intellect; But they are presented by Job to sober and refute the understanding of Job’s “miserable comforters” who like many, yet seem to forsake the obvious (which is made known by everyday observation of the world around them) but they cannot accept them as being in accordance with God’s Will and Purpose (at least, all of them) so rather they lean unto the idealism and fancifulness of their own minds rather than the revealed truth in the saints of God.

“.. He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death…”

“…He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again…”

“…He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man…” verses 22-25.

Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it.

What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you.

Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom…” Job 13:1-5.

Whatever may be said of Job’s shortcomings in His speeches, we must still say that he was largely vindicated in “the things he spoke concerning the Lord” which was affirmed by God Himself near the end of the narrative - while the words of his three friends (concerning the Lord) was rejected by The Lord as being of the counter part. Furthermore, after God had spoken to Job out of the whirlwind, demanding of Job to answer the questions asked of him by God, Job confessed:

“… I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes…” Job 42:2-6.

OAB