God alone has the power to humble even the greatest minds.
Job, who likely lived around the time of the patriarchs (circa 2000-1800 BC), continues his speech by declaring that God can humble and embarrass even the most prestigious leaders. He states, “He makes counselors walk barefoot And makes fools of judges.” (v.17) Walking without shoes was often a sign of humiliation or mourning in the ancient world. By describing counselors—strategists and advisors for nations—and judges—those who uphold legal and moral order—as having fallen into shame and folly, Job emphasizes God’s complete sovereignty to reduce even the highest ranks to lowly states.
When Job says, “He makes counselors walk barefoot” (v.17), he is pointing out how God can strip away human wisdom. Rather than relying on personal intellect or societal acclaim, the true source of wisdom is the Lord Himself. This notion parallels other passages in Scripture that describe God’s ability to confound the supposed “wise” and bring them to humility (see 1 Corinthians 1:19-20). Job’s personal suffering gives him an intimate awareness that God exists beyond earthly hierarchies; no one escapes the Creator’s provision or His discipline.
Next, Job declares that God “makes fools of judges” (v.17). Judges in the ancient Near East facilitated justice, often carrying significant clout in their cultural and civic structures. Despite their role, they are not immune to God’s authority. This acknowledgment of God’s power reminds readers that no individual, however high their status, operates outside of the Lord’s dominion. By underlining this truth, Job’s words exemplify faith in a God who seamlessly governs the affairs of heaven and earth and, ultimately, ensures that all people receive righteous judgment.
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Job 12:17 meaning
Job, who likely lived around the time of the patriarchs (circa 2000-1800 BC), continues his speech by declaring that God can humble and embarrass even the most prestigious leaders. He states, “He makes counselors walk barefoot And makes fools of judges.” (v.17) Walking without shoes was often a sign of humiliation or mourning in the ancient world. By describing counselors—strategists and advisors for nations—and judges—those who uphold legal and moral order—as having fallen into shame and folly, Job emphasizes God’s complete sovereignty to reduce even the highest ranks to lowly states.
When Job says, “He makes counselors walk barefoot” (v.17), he is pointing out how God can strip away human wisdom. Rather than relying on personal intellect or societal acclaim, the true source of wisdom is the Lord Himself. This notion parallels other passages in Scripture that describe God’s ability to confound the supposed “wise” and bring them to humility (see 1 Corinthians 1:19-20). Job’s personal suffering gives him an intimate awareness that God exists beyond earthly hierarchies; no one escapes the Creator’s provision or His discipline.
Next, Job declares that God “makes fools of judges” (v.17). Judges in the ancient Near East facilitated justice, often carrying significant clout in their cultural and civic structures. Despite their role, they are not immune to God’s authority. This acknowledgment of God’s power reminds readers that no individual, however high their status, operates outside of the Lord’s dominion. By underlining this truth, Job’s words exemplify faith in a God who seamlessly governs the affairs of heaven and earth and, ultimately, ensures that all people receive righteous judgment.