Job 12:11

Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes its food?

Study Bible

Does not the ear
The phrase "Does not the ear" invites us to consider the function of the ear beyond its physical capacity. In Hebrew, the word for ear is "אָזֶן" (ozen), which is often associated with understanding and discernment. The ear is not merely a sensory organ but a symbol of wisdom and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. In the ancient Near Eastern context, listening was a revered skill, essential for leaders and judges. This phrase challenges us to use our spiritual ears to discern God's truth in a world filled with noise.

test words
The Hebrew root for "test" is "בָּחַן" (bachan), meaning to examine or scrutinize. This implies a process of careful evaluation, much like a goldsmith tests the purity of metal. In the biblical context, words are powerful and can either build up or destroy. The act of testing words suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach to what we hear, ensuring that it aligns with God's truth. This is a call to Christians to be vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the Word of God.

as the tongue tastes its food
The comparison of the ear testing words to the tongue tasting food is a vivid metaphor. The Hebrew word for "taste" is "טָעַם" (ta'am), which conveys the idea of perceiving or discerning. Just as the tongue instinctively knows what is nourishing and what is harmful, so should our spiritual discernment be sharp and instinctive. In the ancient world, food was not only sustenance but also a symbol of fellowship and covenant. This metaphor encourages believers to cultivate a palate for truth, savoring the richness of God's Word and rejecting what is false or harmful.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is engaged in a dialogue with his friends, defending his integrity and questioning the nature of his suffering.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer comfort but end up debating with him about the reasons for his suffering, often suggesting it is due to sin.

3. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.

4. Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, which forms the bulk of the Book of Job, exploring themes of suffering, justice, and divine wisdom.

5. Wisdom Literature
The genre of the Book of Job, which includes other books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, focusing on questions of human existence and the nature of God.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Listening
Just as we are careful about what we eat, we should be discerning about the words we hear. This involves evaluating teachings, advice, and opinions against the truth of Scripture.

The Role of Wisdom
Wisdom is essential in discerning truth from falsehood. Seeking God's wisdom through prayer and study of His Word equips us to test words effectively.

Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
We must be vigilant about what we allow into our hearts and minds, ensuring that it aligns with biblical truth and edifies our faith.

The Importance of Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual maturity involves developing the ability to discern truth, which comes from a deep relationship with God and understanding of His Word.

Community and Accountability
Engaging with a community of believers provides accountability and support in discerning truth, as we can test and discuss teachings together.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we develop the ability to "test words" in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to ensure we are discerning truth from falsehood?

2. In what ways does the concept of "testing words" relate to the broader theme of wisdom in the Bible, and how can we apply this in our interactions with others?

3. How does Job's experience with his friends' counsel illustrate the need for discernment, and what can we learn from his response?

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us discern truth, and how can we be more attuned to His guidance in our decision-making?

5. How can we encourage and support one another in our faith communities to grow in discernment and wisdom, ensuring that we are all aligned with biblical truth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 2:6
This verse highlights that wisdom and understanding come from the Lord, connecting to Job's assertion that discernment is necessary to test words.

Hebrews 5:14
This passage speaks about mature believers who have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil, paralleling the idea of testing words as one tests food.

1 Thessalonians 5:21
Encourages believers to test everything and hold on to what is good, echoing the sentiment of discernment found in Job 12:11.