Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Neither have I gone back {H4185} from the commandment {H4687} of his lips {H8193}; I have esteemed {H6845} the words {H561} of his mouth {H6310} more than my necessary {H2706} food.

I don't withdraw from his lips' command; I treasure his words more than my daily food.

I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.

I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Commentary

Commentary on Job 23:12 KJV

Context of Job 23:12

In Job 23, Job continues to grapple with immense suffering and the relentless accusations of his friends, who insist his calamities are a direct result of hidden sin. Amidst this profound distress, Job expresses a deep longing to present his case directly to God (Job 23:3), believing that if he could only find Him, he would be vindicated. This verse, Job 23:12, is a powerful declaration of his unwavering integrity and devotion to God’s commands, even when he cannot understand the reason for his trials. It underscores his firm belief that he has not willfully turned away from God’s path.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Obedience and Integrity: Job asserts that he has not "gone back from the commandment of his lips," emphasizing his consistent adherence to God's revealed will. This reflects the testimony about Job's character found in Job 1:1, where he is described as "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil."
  • Valuing God's Word Above All: The phrase "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food]" highlights a profound spiritual priority. Job places spiritual nourishment from God's word above physical sustenance, indicating that his very life and well-being are more dependent on divine instruction than on daily bread. This sentiment echoes the later declaration in Matthew 4:4, where Jesus states that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
  • Trust Amidst Adversity: Despite his inability to comprehend his suffering, Job's commitment to God's word remains unshaken. His declaration is not a boast of perfection but a testimony to his deep-seated reverence for God's authority and wisdom, even when it seems inscrutable.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "necessary [food]" translates the Hebrew word choq (חֹק), which can mean 'statute,' 'ordinance,' 'portion,' or 'appointed allowance.' In this context, it refers to his daily allotted portion of food or provisions—what is essential for physical survival. By stating he esteemed God's words "more than his choq," Job is powerfully declaring that his spiritual sustenance and obedience to God's decrees were of greater importance and value to him than even his most basic physical needs for survival.

Practical Application

Job 23:12 challenges believers today to examine their own priorities. Do we value God's word—His commandments, promises, and wisdom—above our most basic needs and desires? This verse calls us to:

  • Prioritize Spiritual Nourishment: Just as our bodies require daily food, our spirits thrive on God's word. Regular engagement with Scripture should be seen as essential for spiritual health and growth, a daily bread for the soul.
  • Cultivate Deep Obedience: Job's commitment to not "go back from the commandment" reminds us of the importance of consistent, unwavering obedience to God's revealed will, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural.
  • Find Steadfastness in Trials: Job’s example shows that a deep reverence for God’s word can provide an unshakeable foundation, even when life’s circumstances are bewildering and painful. It is in God’s unchanging word that we find stability and hope.

Reflection

Job 23:12 stands as a testament to profound faith and spiritual discipline. It invites us to consider whether God's words are truly the guiding principle and ultimate sustenance of our lives, or if we prioritize temporal comforts and physical provisions. Job's declaration encourages us to place God's will at the very core of our existence, trusting that He will provide for our needs as we seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 15:16 (24 votes)

    Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

  • Psalms 119:103 (20 votes)

    ¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

  • Psalms 119:11 (18 votes)

    ¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

  • John 4:34 (18 votes)

    Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

  • Psalms 19:9 (16 votes)

    The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.

  • Psalms 19:10 (16 votes)

    More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

  • Job 22:22 (13 votes)

    Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.