Old Testament
Job 5:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the crooked is carried headlong.
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He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
What Job 5:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the idea that those who consider themselves wise and clever can be trapped by their own schemes. It suggests that their cunning plans will ultimately lead to their downfall. The term 'craftiness' refers to deceitful or clever tactics, while 'crooked' implies dishonesty or moral corruption. The verse serves as a reminder that relying solely on one's own wisdom, especially when it is not aligned with righteousness, can lead to unexpected consequences. It emphasizes that God has the power to expose and overturn the plans of the deceitful, ensuring that justice prevails. In essence, it warns against arrogance and the false security that comes from human wisdom, urging individuals to seek divine guidance instead.
How to apply Job 5:13 to your life
In our daily lives, we should be cautious about relying solely on our own understanding and cleverness. Instead, we should seek wisdom from God and align our actions with His principles. This verse encourages humility and the recognition that true wisdom comes from a relationship with God, not from our own schemes.
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 5:13
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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 5:13 mean?
Job 5:13 means that those who think they are wise and clever can end up being trapped by their own deceitful plans. It emphasizes that God can expose their schemes and bring about justice.
What is the meaning of 'craftiness' in Job 5:13?
In Job 5:13, 'craftiness' refers to clever but deceitful tactics that people use to achieve their goals. The verse warns that such cunning can lead to their downfall.
How does Job 5:13 relate to divine justice?
Job 5:13 relates to divine justice by showing that God actively intervenes to expose the schemes of the deceitful. It reassures that those who act with dishonesty will face consequences.
What lesson can we learn from Job 5:13?
The lesson from Job 5:13 is to avoid arrogance in our own wisdom and to seek guidance from God. It teaches that true wisdom comes from aligning our actions with divine principles.
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