Chapter Summary

Job answers his three friends, extolling God's wisdom.

Discussion Questions for Job, Chapter 12

1. In chapter 12, Job again responds to his friends. What is the tone of his words in this chapter? Can you describe a situation when you responded to someone with a similar tone? What might be a better way to respond?
2. How does Job address his friends in verses 2-3? Do you think that Job is being sarcastic with his friends here? Why or why not? Do you think that sarcasm is appropriate for a Christian? Explain.
3. What word does Job repeat in verse 4? What does Job say regarding the counsel of his friends in verses 5-6? How do you understand Job's words in these verses? How are Job's words relevant to our lives today?
4. In verses 7-11, Job points to several examples found in nature to describe wisdom. What examples does he give in these verses? What are some other examples that you can think of to describe wisdom?
5. In verse 9, Job says, "Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?" Job uses the term "LORD", found in all capital letters in the ESV. What is the significance of Job using this specific reference to God? What does this seem to indicate about Job's relationship with God?
6. What qualities does Job ascribe to God in verses 13 and 16? What are some qualities or characteristics of God that you think of? What is a proper response when we reflect on the qualities and nature of God? How can we apply this verse to our lives today?
7. What does Job say that God is able to do in verses 14-24? What does this communicate to his friends about God? What do these verses make you think about God?
8. Job describes several different types of people in verses 16-21. What are they? How does Job describe God's sovereignty over them all? What are some of the most powerful and/or influential people you can think of in the world today? How do these verses apply to these kinds of people?
9. What does Job say regarding the nations and the chiefs of the earth in verses 23-24? Can you think of any other biblical examples of how God orchestrates the nations and leaders as demonstrated in these verses?
10. Job uses contrasts in verses 22 and 25. What does he contrast and why is this significant? How can we use comparisons and contrasts to help in explaning things? Can you think of an example of when you had to explain something using contrasts? Explain.

Key Words/Phrase

Hand of God, v. 9.

Characters

God, Job, three friends.

Strong Verse(s)

9, 14.