CINXE.COM

<!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 12:17 He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/12-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/18_Job_12_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 12:17 - Job Responds to Zophar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges." /><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/12-17.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/12-17.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 17</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="/ad17.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/12-16.htm" title="Job 12:16">◄</a> Job 12:17 <a href="/job/12-18.htm" title="Job 12:18">►</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 leads rulers away stripped and makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He leads counselors away, stripped of good judgment; wise judges become fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He leads counselors away stripped, and judges he makes fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He leadeth counsellers away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He leads counselors away plundered, And makes fools of the judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“He makes advisers walk barefoot And makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He makes counselors walk barefoot And makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He makes counselors walk barefoot, And makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He makes counselors walk barefoot And makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“He makes [great and scheming] counselors walk barefoot And makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He leads counselors away barefoot and makes judges go mad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He leads counselors away barefoot and makes judges go mad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He leadeth counsellors away stripped, And judges maketh he fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God shames counselors, turns judges into fools, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and judges maketh he fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools out of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He takes away the wisdom of rulers and makes leaders act like fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He leads counselors away naked; he turns judges into fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He leads counselors away stripped and makes judges into fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He leads counselors away stripped. He makes judges fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He leadeth counselors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He leads counselors away stripped. He makes judges fools. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Causing counselors to go away [as] a spoil, "" Indeed, He makes fools of judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Causing counsellors to go away a spoil, And judges He maketh foolish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Leading away counselors stripped off and he will make foolish the judges.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He bringeth counsellors to a foolish end, and judges to insensibility. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He leads advisors to a foolish end and judges to stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He sends counselors away barefoot, makes fools of judges. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He leads counselors away stripped, and makes fools of judges.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He leads kings amazingly, and makes judges fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He governs Kings with awe and Judges he drives mad<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He leadeth counsellors away stripped, And judges maketh He fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He leads counsellors away captive, and maddens the judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/12-17.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=1869" 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">16</span>True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3289.htm" title="3289: yō·w·‘ă·ṣîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To advise, counsel. A primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve.">He leads counselors</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: mō·w·lîḵ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">away</a> <a href="/hebrew/7758.htm" title="7758: šō·w·lāl (Adj-ms) -- Barefoot. Or sheylal; from shalal; nude; by implication, captive.">barefoot</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: yə·hō·w·lêl (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To shine.">and makes fools</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: wə·šō·p̄ə·ṭîm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To judge, govern. ">of judges.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists.…<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/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="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">1 Corinthians 1:19-20</a></span><br />For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/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="/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="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Jeremiah 8:9</a></span><br />The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?<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/40-23.htm">Isaiah 40:23</a></span><br />He brings the princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth meaningless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31</a></span><br />Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.<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="/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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He leads counsellors away spoiled, and makes the judges fools.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31</a></b></br> And <i>one</i> told David, saying, Ahithophel <i>is</i> among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14,23</a></b></br> And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite <i>is</i> better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/19-12.htm">Isaiah 19:12-14</a></b></br> Where <i>are</i> they? where <i>are</i> thy wise <i>men</i>? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">Barefoot</a> <a href="/job/11-19.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/job/3-14.htm">Counsellors</a> <a href="/job/3-14.htm">Counselors</a> <a href="/job/5-3.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-13.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Guides</a> <a href="/job/9-24.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-6.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/job/12-4.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/9-9.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/esther/9-16.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/14-14.htm">Spoiled</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-21.htm">Stripped</a> <a href="/esther/2-11.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/job/12-16.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/job/12-16.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/12-19.htm">Barefoot</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/psalms/119-24.htm">Counsellors</a> <a href="/psalms/119-24.htm">Counselors</a> <a href="/job/27-12.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/job/30-8.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/psalms/23-3.htm">Guides</a> <a href="/job/21-22.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/12-25.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Spoiled</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Stripped</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/job/13-5.htm">Wise</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 leads counselors away barefoot</b><br>This phrase suggests a reversal of status and dignity. In ancient times, counselors were esteemed for their wisdom and guidance. Being led away barefoot implies humiliation and defeat, as going barefoot was often a sign of poverty or captivity (<a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Isaiah 20:2-4</a>). This imagery reflects God's sovereignty over human wisdom and authority, emphasizing that even the most respected advisors are subject to His will. The idea of God humbling the proud is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Proverbs 3:34</a> and <a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>.<p><b>and makes fools of judges</b><br>Judges were figures of authority and justice, expected to uphold truth and righteousness. The phrase indicates that God can confound those who are wise in their own eyes, turning their judgments into folly. This echoes the biblical principle that true wisdom comes from God alone (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The notion of God making fools of the wise is also found in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a>, where Paul speaks of God nullifying the wisdom of the world. This serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the ultimate authority of God over all earthly powers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is responding to his friends, defending his understanding of God's sovereignty.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/counselors.htm">Counselors</a></b><br>These are individuals who are typically wise and provide guidance. In the context of this verse, they are led away barefoot, symbolizing their loss of status and dignity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judges.htm">Judges</a></b><br>Those who are expected to uphold justice and make wise decisions. The verse indicates that God can make them appear foolish, highlighting His ultimate authority over human wisdom and justice.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign being who has the power to humble the wise and the mighty, demonstrating His control over all human affairs.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_book_of_job.htm">The Book of Job</a></b><br>A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_wisdom.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Wisdom</a></b><br>God has the ultimate authority over all human wisdom and institutions. No matter how wise or powerful individuals may seem, they are subject to God's will and can be humbled by Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_understanding.htm">The Limitations of Human Understanding</a></b><br>Human wisdom and judgment are limited and fallible. We must rely on God's wisdom and seek His guidance in all matters.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Recognizing God's power to humble the mighty should lead us to approach Him with humility, acknowledging our dependence on His wisdom and grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Even when human justice systems fail or seem unjust, we can trust that God is the ultimate judge who will bring about true justice in His time.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_suffering_in_understanding_god.htm">The Role of Suffering in Understanding God</a></b><br>Job's experiences remind us that suffering can deepen our understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him, even when we do not fully understand His ways.<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 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He leadeth counsellors away spoiled</span>. The wise of the earth cannot resist or escape him; he frustrates their designs and overthrows them, and, as it were, leads them away captive. And maketh the judges fools; rather, <span class="accented">and judges maketh he fools</span>. There is no article, and no particular judges are referred to (comp. <a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/12-17.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 leads counselors</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹעֲצִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·‘ă·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3289.htm">Strong's 3289: </a> </span><span class="str2">To advise, to deliberate, resolve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">away</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹלִ֣יךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mō·w·lîḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">barefoot</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁוֹלָ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(šō·w·lāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7758.htm">Strong's 7758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nude, captive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and makes fools</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוֹלֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of judges.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽשֹׁפְטִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šō·p̄ə·ṭîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/12-17.htm">Job 12:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/12-17.htm">OT Poetry: Job 12:17 He leads counselors away stripped (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/12-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 12:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 12:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/12-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 12:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 12:18" /></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>