Job 15:12

In Job 15:12, Eliphaz the Temanite delivers his second speech, directly challenging Job's attitude and internal disposition. This verse, presented as a rhetorical question, accuses Job of allowing his inner thoughts and feelings to lead him astray, and of expressing disdain or defiance through his gaze. It highlights the escalating tension between Job and his friends, who increasingly attribute his suffering to his supposed sin.

Context

This verse is part of Eliphaz's response to Job's earlier lamentations and self-defenses. The friends, operating under the traditional wisdom theology that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, interpret Job's complaints and assertions of innocence as arrogance and rebellion against God. Eliphaz, speaking for the group, perceives Job's "heart" being "carried away" and his "eyes winking" as signs of a defiant spirit rather than genuine distress or righteous indignation. Their counsel, though well-intentioned from their perspective, ultimately fails to grasp the true nature of Job's trial, a misjudgment later highlighted by God Himself in Job 42:7.

Key Themes

• Accusation of Pride and Defiance: Eliphaz suggests Job's heart is filled with pride, leading him to question divine justice, and that his eyes display a contemptuous or rebellious attitude. This reflects the friends' belief that Job's suffering is due to an unconfessed sin of arrogance.
• The Misinterpretation of Suffering: The verse underscores the friends' flawed theological framework, where they equate suffering solely with sin. They are unable to comprehend that a righteous person might suffer without having committed a specific transgression.
• Internal State Revealed Externally: The "heart" and "eyes" are presented as windows to one's true disposition. Eliphaz believes Job's outward expressions betray an inner turmoil and defiance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "carry thee away" (nasa') can mean to lift up, bear, or take away, but in this context, it implies being swept away by emotion, pride, or a wrong spirit. It suggests Job is allowing himself to be led astray by his own thoughts. The phrase "eyes wink at" (ramaz) refers to a knowing glance or gesture, often used in a negative sense to signify scorn, mockery, secret plotting, or contempt. It's a non-verbal communication of defiance or dismissal, as seen in other wisdom literature like Proverbs 6:13 regarding deceitful gestures.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for self-reflection and caution in judgment:

• Examine Your Heart: When facing trials or receiving counsel, it's crucial to examine our own hearts for pride, defensiveness, or a spirit of defiance. Are our attitudes truly aligned with humility before God?
• Beware of Hasty Judgment: Eliphaz's error was in judging Job's internal state based on outward circumstances and his own flawed theological assumptions. We should be cautious about quickly attributing others' suffering to specific sins or assuming we know their true internal disposition.
• Humility in Adversity: While Job was righteous, the challenge for all believers is to maintain a humble and trusting heart even when God's ways seem inscrutable. Learning to trust His sovereignty even when circumstances are difficult mirrors Job's initial response to profound loss.