He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word for "enterprise" here isn't just about a project, but about something "sound" or "real." This highlights that God doesn't just stop the crafty from succeeding, but prevents them from accomplishing anything truly substantial or lasting with their schemes. It’s a powerful reminder that even seemingly clever plans lack true foundation if they’re not aligned with God.
He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Eliphaz is responding to Job's laments and arguments, essentially suggesting that Job's immense suffering must be a sign of his hidden sin. In this section, Eliphaz is arguing that the righteous prosper and the wicked suffer, and that God actively thwarts the plans of those who plot evil. This verse serves as a specific example of God's justice, illustrating how He intervenes to stop the schemes of the crafty from succeeding.
Ever felt like your best-laid plans went hilariously wrong? You're not alone! Job's friend Eliphaz points to a divine force that intentionally disrupts the schemes of the cunning.
This verse highlights a powerful truth: God actively frustrates the clever plans of those who operate outside of His will. It's not just random chance when the 'schemes of the crafty' fall apart. God intervenes, making sure their 'hands achieve no success.' This speaks to His sovereignty, showing that no human wisdom or manipulation can ultimately succeed against His purposes.
What does it mean for our 'hands' to achieve success? It's more than just getting things done; it's about achieving something truly solid and meaningful.
The word translated 'enterprise' in Job 5:12 has a rich meaning, pointing to something solid, substantial, or even virtuous. The text implies that the crafty, despite their cleverness, fail to achieve anything truly valuable or lasting because their endeavors aren't rooted in God's wisdom or purpose.
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Understand the original words
parar · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the act of thwarting or breaking the plans of others. It implies God's sovereignty in rendering the wicked designs of humans ineffective.
arum · Hebrew Adjective
Often used in a negative sense in wisdom literature, describing those who rely on human intelligence and deceit rather than divine wisdom. It implies a sense of cunning or shrewdness that lacks integrity.
Job's friend Eliphaz is speaking, and he draws on a deep well of wisdom, likely reflecting on pivotal events in Israel's history. He reminds Job that God actively intervenes to dismantle the cunning plans of the wicked, ensuring their schemes ultimately fail. This perspective provides comfort by assuring Job that even if his situation seems dire, God is in control and will bring the truly righteous vindication.
c. 1850 BC
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream
Joseph, a Hebrew slave, interprets Pharaoh's dreams, predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He advises Egypt to store grain, a plan that saves the nation.
c. 1800 BC
Joseph and His Brothers Reconcile
The family of Jacob settles in Egypt, blessed by Joseph's wisdom and Pharaoh's favor. This period of prosperity for the Israelites in Egypt begins.
c. 1500 BC
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
A new dynasty in Egypt, unaware of Joseph's service, enslaves the burgeoning Israelite population out of fear of their numbers. This marks the beginning of the Exodus generation's suffering.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Moses Leads Exodus from Egypt
God intervenes through Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Pharaoh's armies, pursuing the Israelites, are destroyed when God causes the Red Sea to return upon them, frustrating their pursuit.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Israelites Wander in the Wilderness
For 40 years, the Israelites journey through the Sinai desert. During this time, God repeatedly demonstrates His power by providing for them and thwarting the schemes of those who opposed them.
This Psalm echoes Job's sentiment, declaring that God thwarts the plans of nations and the schemes of the wicked, emphasizing His sovereign control over human endeavors.
Proverbs 21:30This proverb directly states that no human wisdom or plan can succeed against the Lord, reinforcing the idea that God's intervention is the ultimate factor in the success or failure of any enterprise.
Isaiah 44:25Here, God Himself speaks of frustrating the signs of liars and making diviners mad, showing His power to dismantle the deceptive plans and 'devices' of those who operate outside His will.
1 Corinthians 3:19The Apostle Paul quotes Job in this passage, warning that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, which powerfully illustrates how God can render the 'crafty devices' of human intellect utterly ineffective.
bensonJob 5:12: "He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise."
Job 5:12 . He disappointeth the devices of the crafty — On the contrary, he defeats the craftiest designs of evil and subtle men to exalt themselves. They may place a great deal of confidence in their own abilities, and, without any regard to the overruling hand of Providence, may imagine that their good or bad success in the world depends wholly on their own wisdom and efforts: they may…
clarkeJob 5:12: "He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise."
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty - All these sayings refer to God's particular providence, by which he is ever working for the good, and counterworking the plots of the wicked. And as various as are the contingent, capricious, and malevolent acts of men, so varied are his providential interferences; disappointing the devices, snares, and plots of the crafty, so that their plans…
The Hebrew word for "enterprise" here isn't just about a project, but about something "sound" or "real." This highlights that God doesn't just stop the crafty from succeeding, but prevents them from accomplishing anything truly substantial or lasting with their schemes. It’s a powerful reminder that even seemingly clever plans lack true foundation if they’re not aligned with God.
Eliphaz is responding to Job's laments and arguments, essentially suggesting that Job's immense suffering must be a sign of his hidden sin. In this section, Eliphaz is arguing that the righteous prosper and the wicked suffer, and that God actively thwarts the plans of those who plot evil. This verse serves as a specific example of God's justice, illustrating how He intervenes to stop the schemes of the crafty from succeeding.
Eliphaz is responding to Job's laments and arguments, essentially suggesting that Job's immense suffering must be a sign of his hidden sin. In this section, Eliphaz is arguing that the righteous prosper and the wicked suffer, and that God actively thwarts the plans of those who plot evil. This verse serves as a specific example of God's justice, illustrating how He intervenes to stop the schemes of the crafty from succeeding.
"He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success." — The Hebrew word for "enterprise" here isn't just about a project, but about something "sound" or "real." This highlights that God doesn't just stop the crafty from succeeding, but prevents them from…
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Last reviewed October 2026