Old Testament
Job 5:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their enterprise.
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He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
What Job 5:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 5:12, the verse highlights God's power to thwart the plans of those who are cunning and deceitful. The 'crafty' refers to individuals who use their intelligence and skills for dishonest purposes. God intervenes in their schemes, ensuring that their efforts do not succeed. This serves as a reminder that no matter how clever or strategic someone may be, if their intentions are wrong, God can disrupt their plans. The verse reassures believers that they are not alone in facing injustice or deceit; God is actively working to protect the innocent and bring down the wicked. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God over human affairs, showing that He has the ultimate authority to control outcomes, regardless of human intentions. This can provide comfort to those who feel overwhelmed by the actions of others, knowing that God sees all and will act in His timing to bring justice.
How to apply Job 5:12 to your life
When faced with deceit or injustice, trust that God is aware of the situation and is capable of intervening. Instead of retaliating, focus on maintaining integrity and let God handle the outcomes. This encourages patience and faith in His timing.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Eliphaz Speaks First (Job 4:1–5:27)
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Job
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Job 5:12
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At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 5:12 mean?
Job 5:12 means that God has the power to disrupt the plans of those who are deceitful and cunning. It emphasizes that no matter how clever someone is, if their intentions are wrong, God can prevent their schemes from succeeding.
What is the meaning of 'devices of the crafty' in Job 5:12?
The 'devices of the crafty' refers to the plans and schemes devised by individuals who use their intelligence for dishonest purposes. This phrase highlights the cunning nature of such people and God's ability to thwart their efforts.
How does Job 5:12 relate to justice?
Job 5:12 relates to justice by showing that God ensures that the plans of deceitful individuals do not succeed. It serves as a reminder that God sees injustice and will act to bring about justice in His timing.
What can we learn from Job 5:12?
From Job 5:12, we learn to trust in God's ability to handle situations of deceit and injustice. It encourages us to maintain our integrity and have faith that God will intervene when necessary.
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