Job Responds to Zophar
…12Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. 13Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His. 14What He tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man He imprisons cannot be released.…

Job 32:6-9
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion…

wisdom

Job 12:16
With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.

Job 9:4
He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?

Job 28:20-28
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? …

counsel

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

Isaiah 40:13,14
Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counseller hath taught him? …

Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Belong Counsel Power Strength Understanding WisdomBelong Counsel Power Strength Understanding Wisdom1. Job maintains himself against his friends that reprove him
7. He acknowledges the doctrine of God's omnipotence

Wisdom and strength belong to God;
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and omnipotence of God. In the context of the Book of Job, Job is responding to his friends, asserting that true wisdom and power are found in God alone, not in human understanding. This echoes the biblical theme that God is the source of all wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." The strength mentioned here is not just physical might but also the power to govern the universe, as seen in the creation narrative in Genesis 1. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ, who is described as the "power of God and the wisdom of God" in 1 Corinthians 1:24.

counsel and understanding are His.
This part of the verse highlights God's role as the ultimate counselor and source of understanding. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings and rulers were often seen as sources of wisdom and counsel, but Job points to God as the supreme authority. This is consistent with Isaiah 40:13-14, which asks rhetorically who has directed the Spirit of the Lord or been His counselor. The idea of God as the ultimate source of understanding is also reflected in the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit is described as the Counselor in John 14:26. This phrase underscores the belief that God's plans and purposes are beyond human comprehension, aligning with Romans 11:33, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.

2. God
The Almighty Creator, who is the source of wisdom, strength, counsel, and understanding, as acknowledged by Job in this verse.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer their perspectives on his suffering, often attributing it to sin or lack of understanding.

4. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, known for its wisdom traditions.

5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, where Job defends his integrity and questions the simplistic theology of his friends.Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
Recognize that all wisdom and strength originate from God. In times of uncertainty, turn to Him for guidance and understanding.

Humility in Seeking Counsel
Approach God with humility, acknowledging that human wisdom is limited. Seek His counsel in prayer and through His Word.

Trust in Divine Understanding
Trust that God's understanding surpasses human comprehension. In difficult situations, rely on His perfect wisdom rather than solely on human reasoning.

The Role of Suffering in Gaining Wisdom
Understand that suffering can be a tool for gaining deeper insight into God's character and purposes. Reflect on personal trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Community and Counsel
Engage with a community of believers for support and counsel, but always weigh human advice against the wisdom found in Scripture.1. What is the meaning of Job 12:13?

2. How does Job 12:13 emphasize God's wisdom and power in our daily lives?

3. What practical steps can we take to seek God's wisdom mentioned in Job 12:13?

4. How does Job 12:13 connect with Proverbs 2:6 about God's wisdom?

5. In what ways can we rely on God's "wisdom and strength" during trials?

6. How can Job 12:13 inspire us to trust God's sovereignty in decision-making?

7. How does Job 12:13 define God's wisdom and power in the context of human understanding?

8. What does Job 12:13 suggest about the source of true wisdom and strength?

9. How does Job 12:13 challenge the belief in human autonomy and self-sufficiency?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 12?

11. What does the Bible teach about wisdom?

12. What is the manifold wisdom of God?

13. What is the manifold wisdom of God?

14. Why create Adam and Eve knowing they'd sin?Wisdom belongs to God

“Wisdom … belong to God” (Job 12:13). Job highlights that every true insight and right conclusion begins with Him.

• Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding,” underscoring that wisdom is God-sourced, not self-generated.

• Romans 11:33 marvels, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom … of God!” reminding us that His wisdom is infinite and unfathomable.

• James 1:5 affirms that when we feel deficient, we can “ask God, who gives generously,” because He is the sole wellspring of wisdom.

Application: Any plan, decision, or worldview that ignores God’s wisdom will be partial at best and destructive at worst; tapping into His Word aligns us with unfailing truth.

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Strength belongs to God

“… and strength belong to God …” (Job 12:13). Job’s friends implied that power lay with moral law or human effort, but Job redirects the focus to the Lord Himself.

• Psalm 147:5 exclaims, “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power.”

• Isaiah 40:29-31 points out that even the vigorous grow weary, “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.”

• Job 9:4 already noted, “He is wise in heart and mighty in strength.”

Application: Recognizing God as the source of strength humbles us in weakness and emboldens us in obedience, because He supplies what He commands.

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Counsel belongs to God

“… counsel … are His.” Job is declaring that God alone sets perfect direction.

• Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”

• Psalm 33:10-11 contrasts human schemes with God’s unshakable counsel: “The counsel of the LORD stands forever.”

• Ephesians 1:11 says believers are “predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will.”

Application: Before strategizing, believers anchor decisions in the counsel of Scripture and the indwelling Spirit, trusting that divine guidance is never off target.

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Understanding belongs to God

“… and understanding are His.” Job asserts that God not only knows what is right but fully grasps every detail of creation and circumstance.

• Psalm 147:5 adds, “His understanding has no limit.”

• Isaiah 40:28 asks rhetorically, “Do you not know? … His understanding is beyond searching out.”

• 1 John 3:20 comforts us that “God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things,” meaning nothing escapes His comprehension.

Application: When events seem baffling, believers rest in the reality that God understands how each piece fits and will ultimately reveal His purposes.

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summary

Job 12:13 piles up four attributes—wisdom, strength, counsel, understanding—to declare that God alone possesses the complete package of insight, power, guidance, and perception. This truth corrects human pride, comforts the suffering, and calls believers to lean fully on the Lord in every decision, challenge, and mystery of life.

Verse 13. - With him is wisdom and strength. With God wisdom and strength dwell essentially. 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. 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Wisdom
חָכְמָ֣ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and strength
וּגְבוּרָ֑ה (ū·ḡə·ḇū·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1369: Force, valor, victory

belong to God;
עִ֭מּוֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

counsel
עֵצָ֥ה (‘ê·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence

and understanding are His.
וּתְבוּנָֽה׃ (ū·ṯə·ḇū·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice


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OT Poetry: Job 12:13 With God is wisdom and might (Jb)