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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 12:20 He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/12-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/18_Job_12_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 12:20 - Job Responds to Zophar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/12-19.htm" title="Job 12:19">◄</a> Job 12:20 <a href="/job/12-21.htm" title="Job 12:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He silences the trusted adviser and removes the insight of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He deprives of speech those who are trusted and takes away the discernment of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He deprives the trusted ones of speech, And takes away the discernment of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“He deprives the trusted ones of speech, And takes away the discernment of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He deprives the trusted ones of speech And takes away the discernment of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He deprives the trusted ones of speech, And takes away the discernment of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He removes speech from the faithful And takes away the <i>discerning</i> taste of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“He deprives the trusted ones of speech And takes away the discernment <i>and</i> discretion of the aged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He deprives trusted advisers of speech and takes away the elders’ good judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He deprives trusted advisers of speech and takes away the elders&#8217 good judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He removeth the speech of the trusty, And taketh away the understanding of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />he confuses wise, experienced advisors, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He removeth the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He makes trusted advisers unable to speak and takes away the good judgment of respected leaders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He silences those who are trusted, and takes the wisdom of old people away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He keeps reliable advisors from speaking, and removes discernment from elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He deprives the trusted advisers of speech and takes away the discernment of elders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He removes the speech of those who are trusted, and takes away the understanding of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He removes the speech of those who are trusted, and takes away the understanding of the elders. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Turning aside the lip of the steadfast, "" And the reason of the aged He takes away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Turning aside the lip of the stedfast, And the reason of the aged He taketh away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Removing the lip to the faithful, and he will take discernment of old men.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He changeth the speech of the true speakers, and taketh away the doctrine of the aged. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />altering the lips of those who speak the truth and sweeping away the teaching of the aged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He silences the trusted adviser, takes discretion from the elders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He deprives of speech those who are trusted, and takes away the discernment of the elders.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He cancels the speech of trusty counsellors, and takes away the good judgment of elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He removes speech from Eunuchs and the discretion of old men he takes away<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He removeth the speech of men of trust, And taketh away the sense of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He changes the lips of the trusty, and he knows the understanding of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/12-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1886" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm">Job Responds to Zophar</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: mê·sîr (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">He deprives</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: lə·ne·’ĕ·mā·nîm (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To confirm, support. ">the trusted</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: p̄āh (N-fs) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">of speech</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: yiq·qāḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and takes away</a> <a href="/hebrew/2940.htm" title="2940: wə·ṭa·‘am (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Taste, judgment. From ta'am; properly, a taste, i.e. perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate.">the discernment</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: zə·qê·nîm (Adj-mp) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">of elders.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a></span><br />Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-40.htm">Psalm 107:40</a></span><br />He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a></span><br />who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">1 Corinthians 1:19</a></span><br />For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/49-7.htm">Jeremiah 49:7</a></span><br />Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/7-26.htm">Ezekiel 7:26</a></span><br />Disaster upon disaster will come, and rumor after rumor. Then they will seek a vision from a prophet, but instruction from the priests will perish, as will counsel from the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11-13</a></span><br />The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Hosea 9:7</a></span><br />The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived—let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-21.htm">Luke 10:21</a></span><br />At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-1.htm">Isaiah 3:1-3</a></span><br />For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, / the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, / the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He removes away the speech of the trusty, and takes away the understanding of the aged.</p><p class="hdg">the speech of the trusty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21</a></b></br> The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Proverbs 12:19,22</a></b></br> The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue <i>is</i> but for a moment… </p><p class="hdg">taketh</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/12-24.htm">Job 12:24</a></b></br> He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness <i>where there is</i> no way.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/17-4.htm">Job 17:4</a></b></br> For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt <i>them</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/32-9.htm">Job 32:9</a></b></br> Great men are not <i>always</i> wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/8-25.htm">Advisers</a> <a href="/job/12-12.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Deprives</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/job/5-12.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/ezra/10-14.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/job/10-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/job/11-10.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/job/11-5.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-7.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/job/9-17.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/job/9-5.htm">Removes</a> <a href="/job/9-5.htm">Removeth</a> <a href="/esther/3-9.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/job/6-6.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/job/6-26.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/job/11-15.htm">Stedfast</a> <a href="/job/11-18.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/job/11-18.htm">Trusted</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">Trusty</a> <a href="/job/7-4.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/job/12-13.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/job/12-11.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Advisers</a> <a href="/job/15-10.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Deprives</a> <a href="/job/34-35.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/job/15-4.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/job/32-9.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/job/13-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/job/14-3.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/job/13-6.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/job/12-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/15-15.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/job/13-10.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-12.htm">Removes</a> <a href="/job/19-10.htm">Removeth</a> <a href="/job/17-3.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/job/19-3.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/job/13-17.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/job/39-24.htm">Stedfast</a> <a href="/job/13-15.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/job/18-14.htm">Trusted</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Trusty</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/job/13-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Job 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/12-1.htm">Job maintains himself against his friends that reprove him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/12-7.htm">He acknowledges the doctrine of God's omnipotence</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He deprives the trusted of speech</b><br>This phrase highlights God's sovereignty over human abilities and wisdom. In the context of Job, it reflects the belief that God can humble even those who are considered wise and articulate. This is seen in the broader narrative of Job, where Job's friends, who are initially confident in their understanding, are eventually shown to lack true wisdom. Biblically, this can be connected to the story of the Tower of Babel (<a href="/genesis/11.htm">Genesis 11:1-9</a>), where God confuses the language of the people, demonstrating His control over human communication. It also echoes the theme found in <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a>, where God promises to confound the wisdom of the wise.<p><b>and takes away the discernment of elders.</b><br>Elders in ancient Israelite society were respected for their wisdom and experience, often serving as leaders and judges within the community. This phrase suggests that God can remove the ability to discern and judge rightly, even from those who are most esteemed for these qualities. This is a reminder of the limitations of human wisdom compared to divine wisdom. The idea is further supported by <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">1 Corinthians 1:19</a>, where Paul quotes Isaiah, emphasizing that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise. It also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who often challenged the understanding of the religious leaders of His time, revealing a deeper, spiritual wisdom that surpassed human tradition and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man of great faith and patience, Job is the central figure in the Book of Job. He is known for his suffering and his dialogues with friends about the nature of God and human suffering.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders.htm">Elders</a></b><br>In the context of ancient Israel, elders were respected leaders and decision-makers within the community, often sought for their wisdom and guidance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Creator who, according to Job, has the power to give and take away wisdom and understanding from people, including those in positions of trust and authority.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who engage in dialogues with Job, often offering traditional wisdom that Job challenges.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_setting_of_job.htm">The Setting of Job</a></b><br>The dialogues take place in the land of Uz, a region of ancient times, where Job and his friends discuss profound theological and philosophical questions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_wisdom.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Wisdom</a></b><br>God is the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding. Human wisdom is limited and can be taken away by God, reminding us to rely on Him for true insight.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a></b><br>Those in positions of authority and trust should exercise humility, recognizing that their ability to lead and discern is a gift from God, not an inherent trait.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_understanding.htm">The Limitations of Human Understanding</a></b><br>We must acknowledge the limitations of our own understanding and be open to God's guidance, especially when faced with complex situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_suffering_in_gaining_wisdom.htm">The Role of Suffering in Gaining Wisdom</a></b><br>Suffering can be a tool through which God teaches and refines us, often challenging our preconceived notions and deepening our reliance on Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_godly_counsel.htm">The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel</a></b><br>While human counsel is valuable, it should always be weighed against God's Word and sought with prayer for divine discernment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_blessed_in_the_lord's_name.htm">What advice do the ungodly offer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_leads_your_heart_to_truth.htm">What does the Bible say about aging?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_some_suffer_but_not_grow.htm">If suffering purifies people, why do some suffer terribly and never grow from it?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_zophar_with_psalm_73.htm">How do we reconcile Zophar's rigid cause-and-effect theology in Job 20 with other biblical passages (like Psalm 73) that acknowledge the prosperity of the wicked without immediate judgment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He removeth away the speech of the trusty</span>. God deprives trusted statesmen of their eloquence, destroys their reputation and their authority. <span class="cmt_word">And taketh away the understanding of the aged</span>. He turns wise and aged men into fools and drivellers, weakening their judgments and reducing them to imbecility. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/12-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He deprives</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵסִ֣יר</span> <span class="translit">(mê·sîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the trusted</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנֶאֱמָנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ne·’ĕ·mā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confirm, support</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of speech</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂ֭פָה</span> <span class="translit">(p̄āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and takes away</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקָּֽח׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·qāḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the discernment</span><br /><span class="heb">וְטַ֖עַם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṭa·‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2940.htm">Strong's 2940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A taste, perception, intelligence, a mandate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of elders.</span><br /><span class="heb">זְקֵנִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(zə·qê·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/12-20.htm">Job 12:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/12-20.htm">OT Poetry: Job 12:20 He removes the speech of those who (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/12-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 12:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 12:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/12-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 12:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 12:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>