Job 12:17

He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.

Study Bible

He leads counselors away barefoot
The phrase "He leads counselors away barefoot" is rich with imagery and meaning. In the ancient Near Eastern context, being barefoot was often a sign of poverty, shame, or captivity. The Hebrew word for "counselors" (יוֹעֵצִים, yo'etsim) refers to those who are wise and provide guidance. Job is emphasizing God's sovereignty and power over human wisdom and authority. The image of counselors being led away barefoot suggests that even the wisest and most respected individuals are subject to God's will and can be brought low. This serves as a humbling reminder that human wisdom is limited and ultimately subordinate to divine wisdom.

and makes fools of judges
The phrase "and makes fools of judges" continues the theme of divine sovereignty over human authority. The Hebrew word for "judges" (שֹׁפְטִים, shoftim) refers to those who are tasked with upholding justice and making legal decisions. In the ancient world, judges were highly respected figures, often seen as embodiments of wisdom and fairness. However, Job asserts that God has the power to confound even these figures, making them appear foolish. This is a profound statement about the limitations of human justice and the ultimate authority of God. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom and justice come from God alone, and human systems are fallible and subject to His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is responding to his friends, defending his understanding of God's sovereignty.

2. Counselors
These are individuals who are typically wise and provide guidance. In the context of this verse, they are led away barefoot, symbolizing their loss of status and dignity.

3. Judges
Those who are expected to uphold justice and make wise decisions. The verse indicates that God can make them appear foolish, highlighting His ultimate authority over human wisdom and justice.

4. God
The sovereign being who has the power to humble the wise and the mighty, demonstrating His control over all human affairs.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of God.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Human Wisdom
God has the ultimate authority over all human wisdom and institutions. No matter how wise or powerful individuals may seem, they are subject to God's will and can be humbled by Him.

The Limitations of Human Understanding
Human wisdom and judgment are limited and fallible. We must rely on God's wisdom and seek His guidance in all matters.

Humility Before God
Recognizing God's power to humble the mighty should lead us to approach Him with humility, acknowledging our dependence on His wisdom and grace.

Trust in God's Justice
Even when human justice systems fail or seem unjust, we can trust that God is the ultimate judge who will bring about true justice in His time.

The Role of Suffering in Understanding God
Job's experiences remind us that suffering can deepen our understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him, even when we do not fully understand His ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job 12:17 challenge our understanding of human wisdom and authority?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over human institutions in our daily lives?

3. How do the themes in Job 12:17 relate to the New Testament teachings on wisdom and foolishness?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate humility before God, acknowledging His ultimate authority?

5. How can we find comfort in God's justice when faced with seemingly unjust situations in the world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 40:23
This verse speaks of God reducing rulers to nothing and making the judges of the earth meaningless, echoing the theme of God's sovereignty over human authority.

1 Corinthians 1:20
Paul discusses how God has made the wisdom of the world foolish, aligning with Job's assertion that God can make fools of judges.

Psalm 107:40
This Psalm describes God pouring contempt on nobles and causing them to wander in a trackless waste, similar to leading counselors away barefoot.