The Designing Projects of Ambitious Men Defeated
Job 5:12
He disappoints the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.


1. It hath been a matter of fatal experience that there always were, in all ages of the world, devices of wicked men, and designs of mischief; and it is consistent with the wisdom and goodness of God to suffer designing men to carry on their ambitious projects with a probable show of success.

(1) Possibly to exercise the prudence and courage of the innocent, and virtuous, when their designs are laid very deep.

(2) To discover the inveterate malice and secret cruelty of those men's tempers, who, under the calm, mild, and endearing names of religion, and the public good, do stick to no villainies to push on their black designs.

(3) Perhaps that God may manifest His particular and vigilant care of His Church, even reduced to extremities.

2. These devices have been, by the good providence of God, miraculously defeated. They have been vain, not only in respect of others against whom they were levelled, but also mischievous to those that contrived them.

3. The natural result of these particulars is to praise God, and we, being delivered, ought to glorify Him.

(Tho. Whincop, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.

WEB: He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands can't perform their enterprise.




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