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Job 12:3

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

But I have understanding just like you do; I'm not less intelligent than you. Really, who doesn't already know these things you're telling me?

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Job is defending himself against his friends, saying he's just as wise as they are and that their advice isn't telling him anything new.

📚 Historical Context

In the Book of Job, which is set in the ancient Near East, Job is a righteous man enduring severe trials and responding to his friends who claim superior wisdom to explain his suffering. He pushes back by asserting his own understanding and intelligence, emphasizing that the insights his friends offer are not unique or profound. This exchange reflects the cultural practice of using wisdom debates to grapple with life's hardships in a world where divine justice was a central concern.

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