The 12th chapter contains loads of truth. Blogs could be written about every verse, but who has the time? Job has listened to his friends go on and on and on. His patience is wearing thin and he lets them have both barrels. (he is just like us) His wisdom shines in his words. In today's vernacular, Job has an awesome comeback!
He dresses them down and then gives them understanding...
"I’m sure you speak for all the experts, and when you die there’ll be no one left to tell us how to live." (The Message) That made me laugh! How many times have we wanted to say that to someone or how many times has someone wanted to say that to us? "Yep, you are a know-it-all and when you are gone, knowledge will pass with you". How we speak matters. What we say matter. When we are there to comfort the hurting, they don't need a lecture, they need love. Job had grown tired of the lectures and wasn't feeling the love.
We need to remember that the person we are speaking to is not stupid. They may actually have more insight into the matter than us; after all, they are the ones going through the hurt. So, the first lesson for us is to know when to speak and how to speak and what to speak. (no small feat) Sometimes it is wise to wait to deal with truth until a hurt is diminished. There will be time to deal with error after the suffering is over. Read verse 5 and do some soul searching. I sure did.
Once Job begins to speak about God, his wisdom and understanding shines through. "You want truth?" he asks. "you can't handle the truth". (ok, that wasn't Job) He delivers an amazing revelation of who God is and how he operates. Verses 7 -25 are some of the best words to give understanding I know of.
V 10 - In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. (ESV)
V 13 - With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding. (ESV)
V 23 - He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away. (ESV)
Job understands important things about God. He is Creator. He is Sustainer. He is Giver. He is Taker. In the midst of his suffering and pain, Job is clear about who God is and what God does. In the midst of all the tragedy, Job knows God. And he trusts Him. Maybe the second thing we get from chapter 12 is a better picture of God. (no small thing) He is in charge. Yes, He gives us free will and let's us make choices; but we must never forget... He is in charge! Finally, ultimately... God is the One.
I encourage you to meditate on the many wonderful truths that Job brings into the light in this chapter. Consider how we care for each other and how we can better serve one another in tough times. Listen to the beast, the bird, the bush and the fish... they proclaim the glory of God... shouldn't we do the same.
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