With him is strength and wisdom: he knoweth both the deceivers, and him that is deceived.
עִ֭מּוֹ עֹ֣ז וְתֽוּשִׁיָּ֑ה ל֝֗וֹ שֹׁגֵ֥ג וּמַשְׁגֶּֽה׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Demonstrating that no one can adequately explain God's actions in every individual situation except for God Himself, it is stated: He possesses authority and might, along with knowledge and wisdom. In other words, He alone can accomplish everything in accordance with divine reason; this follows naturally, as He reigns over all and holds immeasurable power. He has the most profound understanding of all matters and the most discerning governance.
He possesses both might and wisdom. Previously, it was noted that wisdom and might were associated with Him; now it is affirmed that might and wisdom are present with Him. The Almighty God, in His compassionate mystery of becoming Man, first imparted a lesson in humility and subsequently demonstrated His might through judgment. Thus, it is appropriate that in earlier references, Wisdom was mentioned before Might concerning the only-begotten Son from the Father, who embodies Wisdom and Might. However, upon His return to judge, He will manifest His Power in a terrifying manner to those doomed to destruction, while His Wisdom will be revealed to His chosen ones in His everlasting kingdom, as “Wisdom” sent forth from the Father.
Consequently, it is fitting that the following statement emphasizes first “might” and then “wisdom.” In the initial assertion, by indicating the order of the words conveying that wisdom and might are with Him, it is illustrated that He teaches through gentleness and mercy, while His might is revealed through the Resurrection. In the subsequent phrase, when it states that might and wisdom are with Him, it clarifies that at the Day of Judgment, He first disciplines the unworthy with His might and subsequently enlightens the souls of the elect with the pure radiance of the Eternal Kingdom. Yet, in the interval leading up to the Last Judgment, He continually assesses the deeds of humanity through His hidden rewards; thus He revisits the ongoing actions of the present, adding: He is aware of both the deceived and the deceiver, leading advisors to a foolish conclusion, and rendering judgment to folly. Even when advisors pursue righteousness, if their motives are not pure and they later seek earthly rewards, they are indeed misled to a foolish end. Should the only-begotten Son of the Most High Father, who took on humanity to proclaim eternal truths and is referred to as the Angel of the Great Council, hence we can interpret “advisors” as preachers who guide their listeners regarding life. Nevertheless, when a preacher delivers eternal truths solely to gain temporary benefits, they misguidedly lead advisors to a foolish conclusion, striving towards what ought to have been avoided with integrity. Furthermore, it is justly remarked that “He judges to folly.” Those who focus on scrutinizing and judging others rightfully bear the title of “judges.” Yet, when they err by failing to thoroughly evaluate the lives of those they are responsible for, and do not genuinely get to know the individual they aim to correct, then “the judge is led to folly,” as the one meant to adjudicate wrongful actions remains ignorant of what should truly be judged.
Job is troubled by his friends' assumption that wisdom belongs solely to them, as they fail to acknowledge his perspective that virtue does not always lead to happiness in life. He points out that the existence of all living beings and the destinies of humanity are under God's control, and he emphasizes that the elders, whose experiences the friends rely on to support their views, have actually created a song depicting God's providential actions in the lives of all people, including the strong, the noble, and the wise.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS