Job 12:11

In Job 12:11, Job, in his discourse with his friends, uses a rhetorical question to emphasize the natural human capacity for discernment. He argues that just as our physical senses are designed to distinguish and evaluate, so too should our minds be employed to assess information and wisdom.

Context

This verse is part of Job's lengthy response (Job 12-14) to the pronouncements of Zophar and Bildad, who have been asserting that Job's suffering must be a direct consequence of his sin. Job, while acknowledging God's omnipotence and wisdom, expresses his frustration with their simplistic explanations and their lack of empathy. Here, he suggests that his friends should apply their own faculties of judgment to his words and their own preconceived notions, rather than merely repeating traditional wisdom without true understanding. He is challenging them to truly listen and discern.

Key Themes

• Discernment and Evaluation: The core message is about the importance of carefully examining what is heard or received. Just as the ear judges sounds and the mouth evaluates food, the mind should critically assess ideas, counsel, and truth.
• Natural Human Faculties: Job draws on common human experiences to make a profound point about intellectual and spiritual judgment. These everyday actions serve as metaphors for higher forms of understanding.
• Wisdom in Listening: The verse implicitly advocates for attentive and thoughtful listening, a critical component of gaining true wisdom, as opposed to simply accepting things at face value.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "try" (בָּחַן, bachan) implies a process of testing, examining, or proving. It's not just about hearing, but about discerning quality and truth through careful consideration. Similarly, "taste" (טַעַם, ta'am) goes beyond mere consumption; it involves discerning the flavor, quality, and suitability of the food. These terms highlight an active, evaluative process rather than passive reception.

Related Scriptures

Job's rhetorical question underscores a timeless principle: the necessity of critical thinking and spiritual discernment. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture. Just as we use our physical senses to avoid harm and and find nourishment, we are called to use our spiritual faculties to discern between truth and falsehood. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to "prove all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and hold fast to what is good. Similarly, the writer of Hebrews speaks of those who are mature having their "senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14). This verse from Job serves as a foundational reminder that wisdom begins with careful attention and thoughtful evaluation of the words we hear and the ideas we encounter.

Practical Application

In our modern world, where we are bombarded with information from countless sources, Job 12:11 is more relevant than ever. It challenges us to not merely consume information passively but to actively "try words" and "taste meat"—to critically evaluate what we hear, read, and are taught. This applies to news, social media, and especially spiritual teachings. It encourages us to engage with truth, to question assumptions, and to seek genuine understanding, fostering a spirit of discernment in all areas of life, rather than accepting things uncritically.