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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 12:4 I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/12-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/18_Job_12_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 12:4 - Job Responds to Zophar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/12-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/12-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.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/12-3.htm" title="Job 12:3">◄</a> Job 12:4 <a href="/job/12-5.htm" title="Job 12:5">►</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 />&#8220I have become a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God and he answered— a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yet my friends laugh at me, for I call on God and expect an answer. I am a just and blameless man, yet they laugh at me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called to God and he answered me, a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I am <i>as</i> one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright <i>man is</i> laughed to scorn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“I am one mocked by his friends, Who called on God, and He answered him, The just and blameless <i>who is</i> ridiculed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I am a joke to my friends, The one who called on God and He answered him; The just <i>and</i> blameless <i>man</i> is a joke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I am a joke to my friends, The one who called on God and He answered him; The just and blameless man is a joke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“I am a joke to my friends. The one who called on God, and He answered him; The just <i>and</i> blameless <i>man</i> is a joke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends, The one who called on God and He answered him; The righteous <i>and</i> blameless <i>man</i> is a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I am a joke to my friends; I, one whom God answered when he called upon Him— A just and blameless man is a joke [and laughed to scorn].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends, by calling on God, who answers me. The righteous and blameless man is a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends, by calling on God, who answers me. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I am as one that is a laughing-stock to his neighbor, I who called upon God, and he answered: The just, the perfect man is a laughing-stock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have always lived right, and God answered my prayers; now friends make fun of me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I am as one that is a laughing-stock to his neighbour, a man that called upon God, and he answered him: the just, the perfect man is a laughing-stock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my neighbors. I am one who calls on God and expects an answer. A man of integrity, a man who is righteous, has become a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Even my friends laugh at me now; they laugh, although I am righteous and blameless; but there was a time when God answered my prayers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I'm a laughingstock to my friends, someone who called on God. But then he answered this upright and blameless man, and I have become a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends, I, who called on God and whom he answered--a righteous and blameless man is a laughingstock! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I am like one who is a joke to his neighbor, I, who called on God, and he answered. The just, the blameless man is a joke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I am as one mocked by his neighbor, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is derided.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I am like one who is a joke to his neighbor, I, who called on God, and he answered. The just, the blameless man is a joke. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I am a laughter to his friend: He calls to God, and He answers him, "" A laughter [is] the perfect righteous one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A laughter to his friend I am: 'He calleth to God, and He answereth him,' A laughter is the perfect righteous one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I shall be he laughing at his neighbor, calling to God, and he will answer him: the just blameless one being laughed at.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that is mocked by his friends as I, shall call upon God and he will hear him: for the simplicity of the just man is laughed to scorn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He who is mocked by his friends as I am, will call upon God, and he will listen to him because it is the sincerity of the just that is being mocked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I have become the sport of my neighbors: “The one whom God answers when he calls upon him, The just, the perfect man,” is a laughingstock; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called upon God and he answered me, a just and blameless man, I am a laughingstock.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And yet he who called upon God became ridiculous to his friends, and he answered him who is pleased with the righteous who are unblemished,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And there was laughter with his neighbors, and he called to God and he answered him, because he is pleased with righteous men without blemish<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I am as one that is a laughing-stock to his neighbour, A man that called upon God, And He answered him; The just, the innocent man is a laughing-stock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For a righteous and blameless man has become a subject for mockery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/12-4.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=1779" 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">3</span>But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these? <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: ’eh·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">I am</a> <a href="/hebrew/7814.htm" title="7814: śə·ḥōq (N-msc) -- Laughter, derision, sport. Or schoq; from sachaq; laughter.">a laughingstock</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: lə·rê·‘ê·hū (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">to my friends,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qō·rê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">though I called</a> <a href="/hebrew/433.htm" title="433: le·’ĕ·lō·w·ah (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- God, god. Probably prolonged From 'el; a deity or the Deity.">on God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘ă·nê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To answer, respond.">and He answered.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">The righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/8549.htm" title="8549: tā·mîm (Adj-ms) -- Complete, sound. From tamam; entire; also integrity, truth.">and upright man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7814.htm" title="7814: ḥō·wq (N-ms) -- Laughter, derision, sport. Or schoq; from sachaq; laughter.">is a laughingstock.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>The one at ease scorns misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.…<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="/psalms/22-7.htm">Psalm 22:7-8</a></span><br />All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">Matthew 27:39-43</a></span><br />And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads / and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” / In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a></span><br />He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-29.htm">Mark 15:29-32</a></span><br />And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, / come down from the cross and save Yourself!” / In the same way, the chief priests and scribes mocked Him among themselves, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-35.htm">Luke 23:35-37</a></span><br />The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” / The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine. / “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-11.htm">Psalm 69:11-12</a></span><br />I made sackcloth my clothing, and I was sport to them. / Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of drunkards.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-11.htm">Psalm 31:11-13</a></span><br />Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends—they flee when they see me on the street. / I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel. / For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-20</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-13.htm">Psalm 44:13-14</a></span><br />You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. / You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">1 Corinthians 4:10-13</a></span><br />We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. / To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. / We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-14.htm">Lamentations 3:14</a></span><br />I am a laughingstock to all my people; they mock me in song all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-36.htm">Hebrews 11:36-38</a></span><br />Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. / They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. / The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-15.htm">Psalm 35:15-16</a></span><br />But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing. / Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm">2 Timothy 3:12</a></span><br />Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I am as one mocked of his neighbor, who calls on God, and he answers him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn.</p><p class="hdg">one mocked</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/11-3.htm">Job 11:3</a></b></br> Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-10.htm">Job 16:10</a></b></br> They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/17-2.htm">Job 17:2,6</a></b></br> <i>Are there</i> not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation? … </p><p class="hdg">calleth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-20.htm">Job 16:20</a></b></br> My friends scorn me: <i>but</i> mine eye poureth out <i>tears</i> unto God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/91-15.htm">Psalm 91:15</a></b></br> He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I <i>will be</i> with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Jeremiah 33:3</a></b></br> Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.</p><p class="hdg">the just</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Proverbs 14:2</a></b></br> He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but <i>he that is</i> perverse in his ways despiseth him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/5-40.htm">Mark 5:40</a></b></br> And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Luke 16:14</a></b></br> And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/9-22.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Derided</a> <a href="/exodus/32-25.htm">Derision</a> <a href="/job/6-27.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/job/6-15.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/job/11-4.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Laughed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-16.htm">Laughing</a> <a href="/job/9-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-20.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/job/11-3.htm">Mocked</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-22.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-22.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/job/10-15.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Scorn</a> <a href="/job/7-15.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/job/11-3.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/job/10-15.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/job/11-14.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/22-3.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/job/13-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/79-4.htm">Derided</a> <a href="/job/27-23.htm">Derision</a> <a href="/job/16-20.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/job/16-20.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/job/17-8.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/job/30-1.htm">Laughed</a> <a href="/job/17-2.htm">Laughing</a> <a href="/job/12-17.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/41-9.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/psalms/35-16.htm">Mocked</a> <a href="/job/16-21.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/job/16-21.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/job/13-18.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/job/16-10.htm">Scorn</a> <a href="/job/15-21.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/job/16-20.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/job/15-14.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/job/15-6.htm">Wrong</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>I am a laughingstock to my friends</b><br>Job expresses his deep sense of betrayal and isolation. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, friendship was a sacred bond, and being mocked by friends was a profound dishonor. This reflects Job's social downfall, as he was once a respected figure (<a href="/job/29-7.htm">Job 29:7-11</a>). The term "laughingstock" indicates ridicule and scorn, which is a common theme in the Psalms where the righteous suffer unjustly (<a href="/psalms/22-7.htm">Psalm 22:7</a>).<p><b>though I called on God, and He answered</b><br>Job recalls his past relationship with God, emphasizing his faithfulness and the divine response he once experienced. This phrase highlights the tension between Job's current suffering and his previous experiences of God's favor. It echoes the biblical principle that God hears the prayers of the righteous (<a href="/psalms/34-17.htm">Psalm 34:17</a>), yet Job's current plight seems to contradict this, creating a theological dilemma.<p><b>The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock</b><br>This statement underscores the paradox of the righteous suffering while the wicked prosper, a recurring theme in wisdom literature (<a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14</a>). It challenges the retributive justice theology held by Job's friends, who believe suffering is always a result of sin. This foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ, the ultimate righteous sufferer, who was mocked and scorned despite His innocence (<a href="/matthew/27-29.htm">Matthew 27:29-31</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the justice of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting his suffering is due to sin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty, whom Job calls upon in his distress. Job maintains his faith in God despite his suffering and the accusations of his friends.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_uz.htm">The Land of Uz</a></b><br>The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_job's_suffering.htm">The Event of Job's Suffering</a></b><br>Job's trials, including the loss of his wealth, children, and health, serve as the backdrop for his lament and dialogue with his friends.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_misunderstood_righteousness.htm">The Reality of Misunderstood Righteousness</a></b><br>Even the righteous can be misunderstood and mocked by those closest to them. Job's experience reminds us that human judgment is often flawed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_amidst_trials.htm">Faithfulness Amidst Trials</a></b><br>Job's unwavering faith, despite his friends' accusations, teaches us the importance of maintaining our integrity and trust in God during difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_friends_in_suffering.htm">The Role of Friends in Suffering</a></b><br>Job's friends intended to comfort but ended up causing more pain. This highlights the need for sensitivity and wisdom when supporting others in their trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Justice</a></b><br>Job's account encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem unjust or incomprehensible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_perseverance.htm">The Value of Perseverance</a></b><br>Job's perseverance is a testament to the strength found in enduring faith, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their own trials.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">I am as one mocked of his neighbour.</span>--The laughing-stock of his companion--he who called on God, and He answered him. This is either the character Job claims for himself, or it is the supposed taunt of his friends--the righteous and the perfect a laughing-stock, or, the righteous and the perfect might be a laughing-stock. Ridicule is no test of truth or of merit.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I am as one mocked of his neighbour</span>. You have accused me of mockery (<a href="/job/11-3.htm">Job 11:3</a>): but it is I that have been mocked of you. The allusion is probably to <a href="/job/11-2.htm">Job 11:2, 3, 11, 12</a>, and 20. <span class="cmt_word">Who calleth upon God, and he answereth him</span>. You mock me, though I have always clung to religion, have called upon God in prayer, and from time to time had my prayers answered by him. Thus it is the just upright man that is laughed to scorn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/12-4.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">I am</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶֽהְיֶ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(’eh·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a laughingstock</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂחֹ֤ק</span> <span class="translit">(śə·ḥōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7814.htm">Strong's 7814: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laughter, derision, sport</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my friends,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְרֵעֵ֨הוּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lə·rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">though I called</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹרֵ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(qō·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on God,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶ֭אֱלוֹהַּ</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·lō·w·ah)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_433.htm">Strong's 433: </a> </span><span class="str2">God -- a deity, the Deity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and He answered.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֑הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·nê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּ֥יק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and upright man</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּמִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(tā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8549.htm">Strong's 8549: </a> </span><span class="str2">Entire, integrity, truth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a laughingstock.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂ֝ח֗וֹק</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·wq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7814.htm">Strong's 7814: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laughter, derision, sport</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/12-4.htm">OT Poetry: Job 12:4 I am like one who (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 12:5" /></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>