Job 12:13 (ESV) … “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.”
Job describes the scope of God’s power. He points out God’s wisdom (Job 12:13) and says no one can change God’s work (v. 14). He speaks of God’s supremacy over several areas: the weather (v. 15), earthly leaders and authorities (vv. 17–21), light and darkness (v. 22), and the nations of the earth (v. 23). Job emphasizes the destructive nature of God’s power, which is a direct contrast to Eliphaz’s speech on God’s power (5:9–14). [1]
With God, wisdom and strength dwell permanently. He is not wiser or stronger at one time than at another. Time and experience add nothing to the perfection of his attributes, which are unchangeable. Such wisdom infinitely transcends any to which man can attain and therefore is doubtless the wisdom whereby the world is governed. Consequently, He hath counsel and understanding. God has these qualities as his own. They are not acquired or imparted, but belong to him, necessarily and always. [2]
We can trust in God’s wisdom. Solomon tells us, “we must trust in the LORD with all our heart; and lean not unto our own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct our paths.”
[1] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Job 12:13–25). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
Comments