Job chapter 12 reminds me of the tension and exasperation that builds when a poor mom has to endure a long airplane flight with a crying baby. Emotions run high and everyone around her becomes a baby expert. People state the obvious and often offer sarcastic pearls of wisdom. I imagine if she could address the obnoxious passengers upon landing, it would sound something like Job’s response. The chapter begins, “Then Job replied: ‘Doubtless you are the people, and wisdom will die with you! But I have a mind as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know all these things?’” Job’s friends have done little to relieve his discomfort; instead they accused him of bringing this upon himself. Job continues, “I have become a laughingstock to my friends, though I called upon God and He answered a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!” In his torment, he is closer to God than his self-righteous friends. Job now has the understanding of a man that now knows the difference between theory and reality. Job has experienced both abundance and great need and now he can speak with authority. “Men at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.” It is interesting that Job is not asking for a bailout, he really seems to be addressing their attitude. It is a stinging commentary on judgmental people that trust their situation instead of the Savior. Jesus blasted the religious men of His day because “All their works they do to be seen by men” (Matthew 23:5).
Next job teaches a lesson to those that put their trust in possessions and circumstances. “The tents of marauders are undisturbed, and those who provoke God are secure those who carry their god in their hands“. There are lots of people that have a pocket-sized god, a god that fits into their wallet, or is attached to their key chain. Financial security produces a false sense of importance. He says, look around you, creation itself teaches us humility. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you“. Job asks anyone that will listen, “Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?“. In other words God controls the wind and sun and tides, do you think you are somehow able to control everything in your world? Job concludes, “In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind“. Remember, Job probably once peered down his nose at those stumbling through life with some distain as well. He has gained a new understanding for the “have-nots” because he has become one of them.
Job ends withlesson to his proud friends that God is Lord of All and we are simply part of His creation. These warnings are for the proud among us today as well. He begins with a reminder to young people not to rely on physical strength alone without discernment. “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Young men should look for a mentor with experience. He adds the source of wisdom, “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His“. Job describes the utter frustration of fighting against God’s will, “What He tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man He imprisons cannot be released“. Job has learned that no one is beyond God’s will. “To Him belong strength and victory; both deceived and deceiver are His“. God humbles the most powerful. “He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them“. In the end, even the greatest minds become feeble. “He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason… They grope in darkness with no light; he makes them stagger like drunkards“. My wife taught me a great lesson several years ago. When we traveled for a vacation, I used to drive late at night in order to get to our end point as fast as possible. She taught me, the trip should be part of the fun. I had to learn to enjoy the travel as well as the destination. While we are here on earth, we are called to be an example so others might follow. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven“. Enjoy the trip.