Job 12:17 Meaning and Explanation
“He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God can strip wise counselors of their wisdom and turn judges into fools.
What Does Job 12:17 Mean?
Job describes how God humbles the mighty in mind. He leads counselors away stripped and barefoot, like captives, and makes fools of judges. The very people prized for their wisdom can have that wisdom undone in a moment by the hand of God.
This dismantles every human pride in cleverness or position. The shrewd advisor and the respected judge stand on borrowed ground; their insight lasts only as long as God allows. The verse calls the powerful to humility and gives the lowly hope, for no human authority is absolute. Before the wisdom of God, the cleverest counsel is fragile, and the One who confounds the wise will set all things right in His time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job 12:17
What does Job 12:17 mean?
God can strip wise counselors of their wisdom and turn judges into fools.