Study 5 - Job chapters 12-15 Having been much maligned by his three friends, Job states 3 three things that he knows: He declares the greatness of Creator God (chapter 12) He reaffirms his own faith (chapter 13) He believes there is always hope and renewal (chapter 14)
Then Eliphaz speaks again for the second time (chapter 15).
Chapter 12 – God’s greatness Read verses 1-4: Job makes the point that just because he is in dire circumstances, it doesn’t mean that he is inferior to his friends or any less wise. They have been putting him down and laughing at him, even though he knows he is righteous (v4) and was as successful as they were. Q. Does the world judge us on our success or on our character? Read verses 7-15: Verses 7-9: Even the animals have more wisdom than his friends! They declare the glory of God Isaiah 43v20: The wild animals honour God Psalm 148v7-12: All of creation glorify God
We can even learn from the earth and the fish (v8). All of creation shows wisdom by obedience to God’s will. Verses 10-15: Job was wise enough to know that his former good life was not a result of his own wisdom but of God’s greatness and goodness (v10). He knew that understanding and wisdom come with age (v12). But he also knew that all wisdom comes from God who has control over all nature (v14&15). Q. How does God impart his wisdom to us?
Chapter 13 – Job’s faith Read verses 1-5: Job knew it was better to speak to God than to his three “friends”. God is truth – his friends were lying (v4). Often, wisdom can mean silence. Q. How much do you agree with Job (v5)? Job lists some of the consequences of a lack of wisdom: You can speak wrongfully on God’s behalf (v7) You may be arguing with God (v8) You will ultimately be called to account (v10) You may bring judgment on yourself (v11)
Surely a reminder to us all to “put our brain into gear before opening our mouth to speak”.
10