Job 12:20

KJV

He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.

KJV (with Strong's)

He removeth away {H5493} the speech {H8193} of the trusty {H539}, and taketh away {H3947} the understanding {H2940} of the aged {H2205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who are trusted he deprives of speech, and he removes the discernment of the aged.

Berean Standard Bible

He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders.

American Standard Version

He removeth the speech of the trusty, And taketh away the understanding of the elders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 12:20 is a profound declaration by Job concerning God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty, asserting His power to dismantle human wisdom, eloquence, and authority. It underscores that even the most reliable and experienced individuals are entirely dependent on God, who can, at His discretion, remove their capacity for speech and understanding, thereby humbling the seemingly wise and exalting His own ultimate control over all human affairs and intellect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Job's impassioned response to his friends, particularly Zophar, who have been relentlessly advocating a simplistic retribution theology—that Job's suffering is a direct result of his sin. In chapters 12-14, Job vehemently rejects their narrow view of God, arguing that divine justice and power are far more complex and often inscrutable to human understanding. Verse 20 is part of a larger poetic passage [Job 12:13-25](/job/12-13-25 "Job 12:13-25 - Job's Declaration of God's Power") where Job elaborates on God's overwhelming might and wisdom, listing numerous examples of how God can reverse human fortunes, confound the wise, and overturn established order at will. He contrasts his friends' limited perspective with God's boundless power, emphasizing that true wisdom belongs to God alone, as highlighted in [Job 12:13](/job/12-13 "Job 12:13 - God's Wisdom and Strength").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, elders (`זְקֵנִים`, _zeqenim_) held a position of immense respect and authority. They were considered repositories of accumulated wisdom, experience, and sound judgment, often serving as counselors, judges, and leaders within their communities. Similarly, "trusty" individuals (`נֶאֱמָנִים`, _ne'emanim_), derived from the root for faithfulness, referred to those deemed faithful, reliable, and eloquent, often holding positions of trust and influence, such as advisors or skilled orators. The ability to speak persuasively and offer wise counsel was highly valued. Job's statement directly challenges the conventional understanding of human authority and wisdom by asserting that even these esteemed figures, whose counsel was sought and respected, are utterly subject to God's power. Their very capacity for speech and understanding can be stripped away by divine decree, illustrating a profound cultural reversal where the foundations of societal order and wisdom can be shaken by divine action.

* **Key Themes:** Job 12:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate and unchallenged control over all creation, including human intellect, eloquence, and perceived wisdom. God is not bound by human expectations, societal structures, or the wisdom of the ages. Secondly, it highlights the **Limitations of Human Wisdom**, demonstrating that even those considered wise, reliable, or faithful are entirely dependent on God. Their wisdom, counsel, or authority can be removed by Him, underscoring that true wisdom resides solely with the Creator. This theme resonates with passages like [Isaiah 29:14](/isaiah/29-14 "Isaiah 29:14 - The Wisdom of the Wise Will Perish") which speaks of God confounding the wisdom of the wise, and [1 Corinthians 1:19](/1_corinthians/1-19 "1 Corinthians 1:19 - God Will Destroy the Wisdom of the Wise"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Humbling of the Exalted**, illustrating God's power to silence the eloquent and confuse the wise, thereby demonstrating that genuine power and understanding flow from Him alone, not from human status or accumulated knowledge. This serves as a stark reminder that [God's "foolishness" is wiser than human wisdom](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speech (Hebrew, _sâphâh'_):** From H8193, `sâphâh` primarily refers to "the lip (as a natural boundary)." By implication, it extends to "language," "speech," or "talk." In Job 12:20, `sâphâh` signifies not merely the physical faculty of speaking, but the capacity for articulate, persuasive, and authoritative discourse. When God "removes" this, He is silencing the very voice of influence and counsel, rendering the eloquent mute or their words ineffective.
* **Trusty (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** From H539, `ʼâman` is a primitive root meaning "to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain." The KJV's "trusty" here refers to those who are reliable, steadfast, and worthy of confidence, often implying individuals known for their integrity and sound judgment. Job's point is that even those whose words are typically dependable can be stripped of their ability to speak wisely by divine decree.
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _ṭaʻam'_):** From H2940, `ṭaʻam` properly denotes "a taste," but figuratively extends to "perception," "intelligence," "discretion," "judgment," and "reason." It encompasses the faculty of discernment—the ability to grasp, interpret, and apply knowledge wisely. By taking away the `ṭaʻam` of the aged, God demonstrates His power to nullify accumulated wisdom and experience, rendering even the most seasoned counsel confused or useless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He removeth away the speech of the trusty":** This clause declares God's active and sovereign intervention in the communicative abilities of those considered reliable and authoritative. The verb "removeth away" (H5493, `çûwr`) implies a decisive act of turning off or taking away. "Speech" (H8193, `sâphâh`) here represents the ability to articulate wise counsel, to persuade, to lead, or to offer sound judgment. God, by "removing" this, silences those whose words are typically considered authoritative and trustworthy, demonstrating His power to strip away human influence and perceived wisdom.
* **"and taketh away the understanding of the aged":** This second clause parallels the first, emphasizing God's control over the very faculty of discernment and intellect. The verb "taketh away" (H3947, `lâqach`) signifies a comprehensive removal. "Understanding" (H2940, `ṭaʻam`) refers to discernment, judgment, or taste—the ability to perceive and interpret things wisely. By taking this away from the "aged" (H2205, `zâqên`), Job signifies that God can nullify the accumulated wisdom and experience of elders, rendering their counsel useless or confused. Both clauses together paint a vivid picture of God's comprehensive power to humble human pride and expose the fragility of human wisdom, regardless of status or experience.

#### Literary Devices
Job 12:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and taketh away the understanding of the aged") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first ("He removeth away the speech of the trusty"). Both clauses speak of God's action in stripping away human intellectual and communicative faculties from esteemed individuals, reinforcing the same profound truth about divine sovereignty and the limitations of human wisdom. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in Job's assertion, as he uses extreme examples (silencing the eloquent, confusing the wise) to underscore the absolute and limitless nature of God's power. This is not necessarily a literal statement that God *always* removes speech and understanding, but a forceful declaration that He *can* and *does* do so, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all human capacities. The verse also implicitly uses **Metonymy**, where "speech" and "understanding" stand for the entire intellectual and communicative capacities, or even the authority and influence, of the individuals they represent, highlighting the totality of God's control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 12:20 stands as a stark theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent limitations of human wisdom. It challenges any humanistic notion that wisdom or authority resides independently in individuals, regardless of their experience or perceived reliability. Instead, it posits that all human faculties, including intellect and eloquence, are ultimately gifts from God and can be withdrawn by Him. This perspective serves to humble humanity and redirect all praise and trust to the Creator, whose wisdom is infinite and incomprehensible. It forces a re-evaluation of what constitutes true wisdom, suggesting it is not merely accumulated knowledge or eloquent speech, but a profound dependence on and fear of the Lord, recognizing that genuine understanding originates solely from Him.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")
* [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - Where is the Wise?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 12:20 offers a profound call to humility and a reorientation of our trust. In a world that often elevates human intellect, expertise, and eloquent communication, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that all such capacities are ultimately contingent upon God's will. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate confidence—in human credentials, persuasive arguments, or the accumulated wisdom of experts, or in the unfathomable wisdom of God. For those who hold positions of influence, whether in church, family, or society, it encourages a deep humility, acknowledging that their ability to speak wisely or lead effectively is a divine endowment that can be withdrawn. When faced with situations that defy human understanding, or when trusted counsel fails, this verse points us back to God's supreme wisdom and unfathomable ways, urging us to trust in divine providence even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, acknowledging that God works in ways beyond our comprehension. It compels us to seek wisdom from God above all else, recognizing that true understanding begins with Him and that human wisdom, apart from Him, is fleeting and fallible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 12:20 challenge my own reliance on human wisdom or expertise, whether my own or that of others?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to trust human understanding more than God's sovereign wisdom?**
* **How should this verse shape my prayers for leaders, teachers, and those in positions of influence, especially concerning their wisdom and discernment?**
* **What does it mean to "fear the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom in light of God's ability to humble the wise and silence the eloquent?**

### FAQ

**Why would God "remove the speech of the trusty" or "take away the understanding of the aged"?**

Answer: God does this not out of arbitrary malice, but to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and to humble human pride. In the context of Job, it serves to show that human wisdom, even that of the most respected individuals, is limited and ultimately dependent on God. It highlights that true wisdom and authority belong to Him alone. This action can serve various purposes: to expose the futility of human counsel when it opposes divine will, to clear the way for God's own plan to unfold, or to teach humility to those who might otherwise rely too heavily on their own intellect or experience. It underscores the biblical principle that [God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud") and that [He frustrates the plans of the crafty](/job/5-12 "Job 5:12 - God Frustrates the Plans of the Crafty").

**Does this verse imply that human wisdom is inherently bad or useless?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that human wisdom is inherently bad or useless. The Bible often commends wisdom and understanding, encouraging their pursuit (e.g., [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")). Rather, Job 12:20 emphasizes the *contingency* and *subordination* of human wisdom to divine wisdom. It reminds us that even the most profound human insight is a gift from God and can be withdrawn. The danger lies not in having wisdom, but in trusting in it as an ultimate source, independent of God. When human wisdom becomes a source of pride or leads away from God, it can be confounded. The verse serves to put human wisdom in its proper place: valuable when aligned with God, but ultimately limited and subject to His sovereign will. As [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 12:20, in its stark portrayal of God's power to humble human wisdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The world, with its "trusty" and "aged" wise ones, often seeks wisdom through human philosophy, power, or accumulated knowledge. Yet, God chose to reveal His ultimate wisdom not in a way that aligns with human expectations, but through the "foolishness" of the cross. As [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chose the Foolish Things") declares, "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." The crucifixion of Christ, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, was in fact God's ultimate demonstration of wisdom and power, confounding all human systems of thought and authority. In Christ, the true "speech of the trusty" and "understanding of the aged" are revealed to be utterly insufficient without Him. He is the very wisdom of God incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), and in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, is the one who truly grants understanding and opens the eyes of the aged and the trusty to the truth of God's salvation, replacing human confusion with divine clarity ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit Will Teach All Things") and [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide")). Thus, Job's declaration points forward to a time when God would indeed humble all human wisdom by revealing His own, perfectly embodied in His Son, Jesus Christ, making Him the ultimate source of all true wisdom and understanding.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 32:9

Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

Job 17:4

For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt [them].

Job 12:24

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.

Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

Isaiah 3:1

¶ For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,

Isaiah 3:3

The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

Job 39:17

Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.