In summary, this verse reminds readers that human cunning is never a match for God’s power.
He captures the wise by their own shrewdness, And the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted (v.13). This statement, spoken by Eliphaz to Job, underscores a core biblical principle: human wisdom, no matter how astute or cunning, ultimately pales in comparison to God’s omniscience and sovereignty. Eliphaz believes that people who behave under the illusion of their own skillful manipulation eventually face divine judgment or intervention that exposes their limitations. In the broader narrative of the Book of Job, this verse serves as part of Eliphaz’s argument that God humbles those who trust in their own devices. Much like Paul’s affirmation that God makes foolish the wisdom of this world (1 Corinthians 1:20), the verse shows that self-reliance often leads to blind spots and unexpected consequences.
Because there is no specific mention of a geographical location or a famous historical figure in this verse, its context relies on the character of Job who lived in the land of Uz. Many scholars place Job’s life patriarchally, sometime between 2000 and 1000 BC, though the exact date is not conclusively known. Eliphaz—a friend of Job—likely lived nearby, offering counsel in the midst of Job’s great suffering (Job 4-5). The text highlights that no matter one’s era or culture, genuine wisdom comes only from God, who is perfectly just and all-knowing.
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Job 5:13 meaning
He captures the wise by their own shrewdness, And the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted (v.13). This statement, spoken by Eliphaz to Job, underscores a core biblical principle: human wisdom, no matter how astute or cunning, ultimately pales in comparison to God’s omniscience and sovereignty. Eliphaz believes that people who behave under the illusion of their own skillful manipulation eventually face divine judgment or intervention that exposes their limitations. In the broader narrative of the Book of Job, this verse serves as part of Eliphaz’s argument that God humbles those who trust in their own devices. Much like Paul’s affirmation that God makes foolish the wisdom of this world (1 Corinthians 1:20), the verse shows that self-reliance often leads to blind spots and unexpected consequences.
Because there is no specific mention of a geographical location or a famous historical figure in this verse, its context relies on the character of Job who lived in the land of Uz. Many scholars place Job’s life patriarchally, sometime between 2000 and 1000 BC, though the exact date is not conclusively known. Eliphaz—a friend of Job—likely lived nearby, offering counsel in the midst of Job’s great suffering (Job 4-5). The text highlights that no matter one’s era or culture, genuine wisdom comes only from God, who is perfectly just and all-knowing.