Job 12:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The idea is that rational thought is part of human nature, much like the instinct to seek nourishment. At the outset, it is stated: "Are you men alone? As long as I am a man," he asserts, "I can think as you do."

Job expresses his thoughts in an unexpected manner. Rather than simply stating, "Then you would not be men," he poses an inquiry, asking, “Truly, are you merely human, and will wisdom perish with you?” This suggests a deeper contemplation: "Does not the honor of a rational being suffer within you? Are you aware of God's judgments regarding both the wicked and the just?” It is indeed advantageous for humanity to grasp this truth. Understand, then, that the Lord examines the upright while showing patience towards the unrighteous. Consequently, the wicked may flourish, whereas the righteous undergo testing, for God’s forbearance with the wicked can serve as a chance for their repentance, while the prolonged trials faced by the righteous can lead to their eventual reward. If you understood this, you would refrain from condemning the just individual who endures hardship, nor would you mistake the prosperous sinner for someone righteous.

Without a doubt, you are the only wise ones, and wisdom will perish with you, Job 12:2. A person who perceives himself as superior to all others in reasoning abilities is, in essence, exulting in his uniqueness. Frequently, it occurs that when one’s intellect is exalted by pride, it dismisses others with disdain and holds itself in high regard. This self-adoration grows in one’s thoughts, and it is sheer folly to take pride in one’s own wisdom. Such an individual reflects on what they have learned, recalls their own utterances, admires their insight, and belittles those around them. Therefore, the one who believes he alone possesses true understanding is, in fact, acting as if wisdom will perish with him.

Job is troubled by his friends' belief that they alone possess wisdom and their inability to accept his perspective that prosperity does not always accompany righteousness in life. He calls their attention to the reality that the existence of all living beings and the destinies of humanity are under God's control, emphasizing that even the wise elders, whose insights his friends rely on, have created a song reflecting God's guiding hand in the lives of all people, including the mighty, the honorable, and the knowledgeable.