Job 12:7

But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you.

Study Bible

But ask the animals
The Hebrew word for "animals" here is "בְּהֵמָה" (behemah), which generally refers to beasts or cattle. In the context of the ancient Near East, animals were often seen as part of God's creation that demonstrated His wisdom and power. The phrase suggests that even the simplest creatures can reveal truths about God's sovereignty and the natural order. This reflects a conservative Christian perspective that all of creation bears witness to the Creator's majesty and wisdom, as seen in Romans 1:20, where creation reveals God's invisible qualities.

and they will instruct you
The Hebrew root for "instruct" is "יָרָה" (yarah), which means to teach or to point out. This implies that the animals, through their existence and behavior, can teach humans about the order and wisdom inherent in creation. From a conservative viewpoint, this underscores the belief that God's truth is evident in the natural world, and that humans can learn from observing the order and complexity of life around them.

ask the birds of the air
The phrase "birds of the air" uses the Hebrew "עוֹף" (oph) for birds, which often symbolizes freedom and perspective in biblical literature. Birds, with their ability to soar above the earth, provide a different vantage point, suggesting that a broader perspective can offer deeper insights. In a historical context, birds were often seen as messengers or symbols of divine communication, reinforcing the idea that all aspects of creation can convey God's truth.

and they will tell you
The Hebrew word for "tell" is "נָגַד" (nagad), meaning to declare or make known. This indicates that the natural world communicates knowledge and truth about God. From a conservative Christian perspective, this aligns with the belief that God has embedded His wisdom in creation, and that by studying nature, one can gain understanding of His character and divine order. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 19:1, where the heavens declare the glory of God.

Persons / Places / Events

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 his quest for understanding God's justice.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer comfort but end up engaging in debates about the nature of suffering and divine justice.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

4. Creation
The broader context of Job 12:7 involves the natural world, which Job references to illustrate the wisdom and sovereignty of God.

5. The Dialogue
Job 12 is part of a larger dialogue where Job responds to his friends, defending his integrity and questioning their simplistic understanding of God's ways.

Teaching Points

God's Wisdom in Creation
Nature is a testament to God's wisdom and power. Observing the natural world can lead us to a deeper understanding of God's character and His sovereign control over all things.

Humility in Learning
Job's invitation to learn from animals and birds encourages humility. We should be open to learning from all of God's creation, recognizing that wisdom is not confined to human understanding.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Just as God cares for the animals and birds, we can trust in His provision and sovereignty over our lives, even when we face suffering or uncertainty.

The Limitations of Human Wisdom
Job's dialogue with his friends highlights the limitations of human wisdom. True understanding comes from acknowledging God's greater perspective.

The Role of Creation in Revelation
Creation itself is a form of revelation, pointing us to the Creator. We should take time to observe and reflect on the natural world as a means of drawing closer to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job 12:7 challenge our understanding of where wisdom can be found?

2. In what ways can observing nature deepen our relationship with God?

3. How does the concept of God's provision for animals and birds in Matthew 6 relate to Job's statement in Job 12:7?

4. What can we learn from Job's response to his friends about the nature of suffering and divine justice?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Job 12:7 in our daily lives, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1
The creation account highlights the order and purpose in God's creation, which Job references to demonstrate God's wisdom and power.

Psalm 19
This psalm speaks of how the heavens declare the glory of God, similar to how Job suggests that nature reveals God's wisdom.

Romans 1
Paul discusses how God's invisible qualities are evident in creation, aligning with Job's assertion that animals and birds can instruct us about God's nature.

Matthew 6
Jesus speaks of the birds of the air and how God provides for them, illustrating trust in God's provision and care.