Job 12:11

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Moet die oor nie woorde toets soos die verhemelte spys proe nie?

What Does This Mean?

Job 12:11 says that the ear can tell the difference between good and bad words, just like the mouth can tell the difference between good and bad food. Job is speaking here, and he is pointing out that people have the ability to discern the truth and the value of what they hear and taste.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're eating a sandwich. You can taste if it's yummy or not, right? Similarly, when someone talks to you, you can tell if what they're saying is good or not. Job is saying that we can understand and judge what we hear, just like we can taste our food.

Historical Background

The Book of Job was written by an unknown author, possibly after the Israelites' exile in Babylon. It was written for the Israelites and other people of the time to understand suffering and the nature of God. The cultural setting involves deep questioning about why the righteous suffer.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, this verse encourages us to critically evaluate the information and advice we receive. For instance, if a friend tells you a rumor about someone, take a moment to consider if the words are true and beneficial before believing or spreading them.

Topics

• discernment
• wisdom
• testing
• speech
• taste
• judgment

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 3:9
• Proverbs 18:15
• Jeremiah 17:9
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21
• Hebrews 5:14

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'try words'?

To 'try words' means to carefully examine and evaluate the words someone speaks, understanding their truthfulness and value, much like tasting food to determine its quality.

How does Job's statement relate to modern communication?

In our digital age, Job's words remind us to be discerning about the information we consume online, ensuring that the content we read or hear is truthful and beneficial.

Why is the analogy of the mouth tasting food significant?

The analogy of the mouth tasting food highlights the natural ability of humans to discern and evaluate, suggesting that we can similarly discern the value of the words we hear.

Can this verse be applied to religious teachings?

Yes, this verse can be applied to religious teachings by encouraging believers to critically evaluate religious messages and teachings to determine their truthfulness and alignment with God's word.