He catches the wise in their craftinessThis phrase highlights the theme of divine justice and the limitations of human wisdom. In the biblical context, "the wise" often refers to those who rely on their own understanding rather than seeking God's guidance. This is echoed in
1 Corinthians 3:19, where Paul states, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." The idea of God catching the wise in their craftiness suggests that human schemes cannot outmaneuver divine sovereignty. Historically, this reflects the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where wisdom literature often emphasized the futility of human plans against divine will. Theologically, it underscores the belief that God is omniscient and omnipotent, able to discern and disrupt the plans of those who think themselves clever.
and sweeps away the plans of the cunning
This part of the verse continues the theme of divine intervention against human arrogance. The "cunning" are those who use deceit or manipulation to achieve their ends, often at the expense of others. The imagery of God sweeping away their plans suggests a sudden and complete overturning of their schemes. This can be seen in the broader biblical narrative, such as in the story of Haman in the Book of Esther, where his plot against the Jews is ultimately thwarted by divine providence. Theologically, this serves as a reminder of God's justice and the ultimate futility of opposing His will. It also points to the moral order upheld by God, where deceit and manipulation are ultimately exposed and judged.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Eliphaz the TemaniteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. Eliphaz is the speaker in this passage, offering his perspective on God's justice and wisdom.
2.
JobA righteous man who suffers immense trials and losses. The book of Job explores his responses and the dialogues with his friends about suffering and divine justice.
3.
GodThe ultimate authority and source of wisdom, who is portrayed as just and sovereign over human affairs.
4.
The Wise and the WilyRepresents those who rely on their own understanding and cunning, often in opposition to God's wisdom.
5.
TemanA region associated with wisdom, possibly linked to the Edomites, known for their wise men.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Human WisdomHuman wisdom is limited and often flawed. We must recognize that God's wisdom surpasses all human understanding and schemes.
The Futility of CraftinessRelying on cunning and deceit is ultimately futile. God sees through all human plans and can overturn them in an instant.
Trust in Divine JusticeEven when it seems like the wicked prosper, we can trust that God will bring justice in His perfect timing.
Humility Before GodAcknowledge our limitations and approach God with humility, seeking His wisdom rather than relying on our own.
The Importance of Righteous LivingAligning our lives with God's principles ensures that we are not caught in the trap of our own craftiness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 5:13?
2.How does Job 5:13 demonstrate God's wisdom over human cunning and schemes?
3.What does "catches the wise in their craftiness" teach about human pride?
4.How can we apply Job 5:13 to resist worldly wisdom in daily life?
5.What New Testament passages echo the message of Job 5:13?
6.How can believers rely on God's wisdom when facing deceitful situations?
7.How does Job 5:13 reflect God's justice in dealing with the wise and cunning?
8.What does Job 5:13 reveal about human wisdom compared to divine wisdom?
9.How does Job 5:13 align with the overall theme of suffering in the Book of Job?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 5?
11.Why does God put us through tests?
12.Who is The Evil One in the story?
13.How can a young man purify his path?
14.In Job 10:16, why does Job perceive God as a ruthless adversary when other parts of the Bible portray Him as compassionate?What Does Job 5:13 Mean
HeJob’s friend Eliphaz begins with the foundational truth that God is personally active in the affairs of mankind. The pronoun “He” centers our attention on the Lord, not fate or impersonal forces. Scripture consistently presents God as sovereign over all (Psalm 115:3) and intimately involved in every detail (Matthew 10:29-31). Here, God is portrayed as the One who both observes and intervenes.
catches the wiseHuman wisdom can be impressive, yet it is finite and often self-exalting. God “catches”—overtakes, exposes, and ultimately judges—those who trust in their own intellect rather than in Him. Paul quotes this very line in1 Corinthians 3:19 to warn believers against boasting in worldly wisdom.Proverbs 3:7 echoes the same call: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”
in their craftiness“Craftiness” points to shrewd schemes and manipulative strategies. What humans plot in secrecy is fully visible to God (Hebrews 4:13). Cain’s hidden anger (Genesis 4), Haman’s political intrigue (Esther 3-7), and Judas’s covert betrayal (Luke 22:3-6) all demonstrate that crafty plans cannot outrun divine sight. God’s omniscience ensures that He not only sees but brings every hidden thing into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
and sweeps awayThe picture shifts from exposure to decisive action. God does not merely reveal schemes; He overturns them. Like a mighty wind, He “sweeps away” whatever stands in opposition to His purposes.Psalm 33:10-11 declares, “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.” When He moves, no counter-strategy can stand (Isaiah 14:27).
the plans of the cunningCunning plans may appear airtight, yet God dismantles them with effortless authority. Consider:
• Pharaoh’s infanticide campaign (Exodus 1) leading to Moses’ rescue and Israel’s deliverance.
• The conspirators’ plot against Daniel (Daniel 6) resulting in their own downfall.
• The Sanhedrin’s scheme to silence Jesus (Acts 2:23-24) culminating in the resurrection.
Each case affirms that divine sovereignty confounds human cunning and reorients history toward His redemptive purposes.
summaryJob 5:13 declares that God actively exposes, frustrates, and destroys the seemingly brilliant schemes of self-reliant people. Human wisdom apart from God becomes folly, and every hidden plot meets the all-seeing, all-powerful Lord who turns it to His glory. Trusting His sovereignty frees us from fear of human manipulation and calls us to walk in humble dependence on Him, knowing that only His plans endure forever (Proverbs 19:21).
(13)
He taketh the wise.--St. Paul quotes the former half of this verse in his warning to the Corinthians (
1Corinthians 3:19): "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." The word rendered "froward" means
crooked, perverse,or
tortuous.The name Naphtali is derived from the same root (
Genesis 30:8).
Verse 13. -
He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. Men are, as Shakespeare says, "hoist with their own petard." They "fall into their own nets together" (Psalm 141:11), while the godly, their intended prey, "escape them." And this is God's doing - it is his providence which brings it to pass. And the counsel of the froward is carried headlong; or, "put to confusion" (Lee).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He catchesלֹכֵ֣ד(lō·ḵêḏ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3920:To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to coherethe wiseחֲכָמִ֣ים(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450:Wisein their craftiness,בְּעָרְמָ֑ם(bə·‘ā·rə·mām)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6193:A stratagemand sweeps awayנִמְהָֽרָה׃(nim·hā·rāh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4116:To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptlythe plansוַעֲצַ֖ת(wa·‘ă·ṣaṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6098:Advice, plan, prudenceof the cunning.נִפְתָּלִ֣ים(nip̄·tā·lîm)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6617:To twine, to struggle, be, tortuous
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OT Poetry: Job 5:13 He takes the wise in their own (Jb) 
