With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his. He leads counselors away stripped, and judges he makes fools.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that even those who err and those who lead others astray ultimately belong to God. This isn't to say God causes sin, but that He sovereignly controls and can even use these forces for His purposes, whether to test the righteous or to judge the wicked.
With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his. He leads counselors away stripped, and judges he makes fools.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job is in the midst of a deep theological debate with his friends, who are insisting that his suffering is a direct result of his sin. Job, however, is firmly asserting God's sovereignty, power, and wisdom over all things, even the seemingly chaotic aspects of life. He's building his case, arguing that no one can comprehend God's vast plans, and this verse highlights that even those who lead others astray and those who are misled are ultimately under God's control.
Job is wrestling with immense suffering, and he's pointing to God's incredible power and wisdom. But how does that relate to the 'deceived and the deceiver'?
Job emphasizes that God's strength and wisdom aren't just abstract qualities; they are actively at work in the world. This divine power and intelligence are the very source from which all things, including seemingly negative forces, operate.
Ultimate Source of Power
God possesses all strength and wisdom. Nothing happens outside of His ultimate control. This means His power is absolute and His understanding is perfect.
Purposeful Working
The text suggests God's wisdom is 'effectual working' – His plans are carried out with precision. Even when deception seems rampant, it's operating within the framework of God's sovereign design.
The verse makes a startling claim: 'the deceived and the deceiver are his.' What does this mean for accountability, sin, and God's character?
This phrase signifies that all individuals, whether they lead others astray or are led astray, ultimately fall under God's sovereign authority and disposal. It doesn't mean God causes sin, but that He permits and governs it according to His perfect will.
Under God's Domain
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Every person, regardless of their moral standing or actions, belongs to God. This includes those who are simple and easily tricked, and those who actively plot deceit.
Governing Evil
God sets limits on deception. The deceiver operates only within the boundaries God allows, and His ultimate purposes—whether testing the righteous or judging the wicked—are served, even by these negative forces. God is the wise and holy governor, not the author, of sin.
Understand the original words
oz · Hebrew Noun
The fundamental power, might, or ability to accomplish tasks, often referring to God's inherent sovereign capability. In Scripture, it highlights that God possesses all power and that no power exists apart from Him.
tushiyyah · Hebrew Noun
Wisdom that is practical, effective, and characterized by success; it implies the ability to discern and execute godly plans. In the Old Testament, it refers to the capacity to perceive the truth and act rightly in accordance with God's will.
shogeh · Hebrew Noun/Participle
Individuals who are led astray or caused to wander from the truth, often through falsehood or temptation. Theologically, it describes those who have lost their way spiritually or intellectually due to deception.
math'eh · Hebrew Noun/Participle
One who leads others astray through deceit, lying, or craftiness. In Scripture, this term characterizes those who act in opposition to truth and righteousness, often as agents of falsehood.
yo'atsim · Hebrew Noun
Advisors or those who provide counsel; in the biblical context, it often refers to those who claim to have human wisdom and authority in governance or spiritual matters.
shophetim · Hebrew Noun
Those invested with the authority to render legal or moral decisions. Biblically, they represent justice, and when God overturns them, it demonstrates His higher authority over all human justice systems.
This passage echoes Job's statement by directly attributing the creation and actions of all things, including the 'deceivers,' to God's power and wisdom.
Proverbs 22:2This proverb highlights the divine sovereignty over both the rich and the poor, mirroring Job's idea that even the distinctions between 'the deceived and the deceiver' are ultimately under God's purview.
1 Kings 22:20-23This account demonstrates God's active involvement in enabling a 'deceiving spirit' to lead King Ahab astray, illustrating the concept of God's sovereign control over those who deceive.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12This passage speaks to God sending a powerful delusion upon those who reject the truth, showing how the 'deceived' and the 'deceiver' can be instruments in God's hands for judgment.
bensonJob 12:16: "With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his."
Job 12:16 . With him is strength, &c. — He doth the things mentioned in the foregoing and following verses so powerfully, that no creature can resist him and hinder his operations; and so wisely, that none can prevent him or frustrate his counsels. He had said the same thing before, ( Job 12:13 ,) but he repeats it here to prepare the way for the following events, which are eminent instances both of his power a…
pooleJob 12:16: "With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his."
He doth the things here mentioned in the foregoing and succeeding verses, and that both powerfully, so as no creature can resist and hinder him, and wisely, so as none can prevent and overreach him. The same thing he had said before, Job 12:13 , but he repeats it here to prepare the way for the following events, which are eminent instances both of his power and wisdom. Are his, i.e. from or by him, and wholly s…
The verse highlights that even those who err and those who lead others astray ultimately belong to God. This isn't to say God causes sin, but that He sovereignly controls and can even use these forces for His purposes, whether to test the righteous or to judge the wicked.
Job is in the midst of a deep theological debate with his friends, who are insisting that his suffering is a direct result of his sin. Job, however, is firmly asserting God's sovereignty, power, and wisdom over all things, even the seemingly chaotic aspects of life. He's building his case, arguing that no one can comprehend God's vast plans, and this verse highlights that even those who lead others astray and those who are misled are ultimately under God's control.
Job is in the midst of a deep theological debate with his friends, who are insisting that his suffering is a direct result of his sin. Job, however, is firmly asserting God's sovereignty, power, and wisdom over all things, even the seemingly chaotic aspects of life. He's building his case, arguing that no one can comprehend God's vast plans, and this verse highlights that even those who lead others astray and those who are misled are ultimately under God's control.
"With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his. He leads counselors away stripped, and judges he makes fools." — The verse highlights that even those who err and those who lead others astray ultimately belong to God. This isn't to say God causes sin, but that He sovereignly controls and can even use these force…
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Last reviewed October 2026