Job 15:5

Job 15:5 is a sharp accusation from Eliphaz the Temanite against Job during their second round of debate. Eliphaz, convinced that Job's immense suffering must be due to some hidden sin, interprets Job's passionate laments and self-defense as further evidence of his guilt and deceptive character.

Context

This verse is part of Eliphaz's second speech (Job 15:1-35), which is considerably harsher and more direct than his first. The friends, operating under the traditional wisdom theology of their time, believed that great suffering was always a direct punishment for great sin. Since Job was suffering greatly, they concluded he must have sinned greatly, even if he professed innocence. Here, Eliphaz moves beyond general pronouncements to directly accuse Job's speech itself. He perceives Job's articulate defense as cunning and manipulative, rather than the cry of a righteous man in anguish. This sets the stage for a deepening conflict between Job and his friends, as their understanding of divine justice clashes with Job's experience of inexplicable suffering.

Key Themes

• The Accusation of Guilt: Eliphaz directly charges Job with revealing his own "iniquity" through his words. This illustrates the friends' unwavering belief that Job's suffering is a direct consequence of his sin, implying that Job's very utterances betray his hidden wickedness.
• The Power and Peril of Speech: The verse emphasizes how speech can be seen as a mirror to one's character. Eliphaz claims Job's "mouth uttereth" his sin and that he "choosest the tongue of the crafty," suggesting a deliberate use of deceptive or cunning words. This highlights the biblical understanding that words are not neutral but carry immense power, reflecting the heart's condition.
• Flawed Judgment and Presumption: Eliphaz's judgmental tone reflects the friends' self-righteous stance and their presumption of superior wisdom. They assume insight into Job's heart and God's purposes, failing to grasp the complexity of suffering or the true nature of Job's integrity, a central theme explored throughout the book of Job.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "iniquity" is 'avon (עָוֹן), which carries the sense of perversity, guilt, or the punishment due to sin. Eliphaz isn't just saying Job made a mistake, but that his words are a manifestation of deep-seated moral crookedness or rebellion.
• "Crafty" comes from the Hebrew 'arum (עָרוּם), which can mean shrewd or prudent (as in Proverbs 12:16), but here it is used negatively, implying cunning, deceit, or malicious intent, aligning with Eliphaz's view of Job's manipulative speech.

Related Scriptures

• Eliphaz previously hinted at Job's sin, suggesting that those who perish have sown iniquity (Job 4:7).
• Job himself often laments the harshness of his friends' words, asking if his words are wind (Job 6:26).
• The Bible frequently warns about the power of the tongue, noting that death and life are in its power (Proverbs 18:21).
• The New Testament also emphasizes the destructive potential of uncontrolled speech, as seen in James 3:8, which describes the tongue as a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Practical Application

Job 15:5 serves as a powerful reminder about the impact of our words and the danger of hasty judgment. Firstly, it prompts us to examine our own speech. Our words often reveal the true condition of our hearts. We are called to speak truth in love and to use our tongues to build up, not tear down or accuse falsely.

Secondly, it cautions us to beware of quick condemnation. Eliphaz's error was in judging Job based on a faulty theological premise and misinterpreting his words. We should be careful about quickly accusing or condemning others, especially when we don't fully understand their circumstances or pain. It's crucial to approach others with empathy and humility, rather than self-righteousness.

Finally, this verse underscores the contrast between human wisdom, which can be flawed and judgmental, and divine wisdom. Rather than relying on our own limited understanding, we should seek wisdom from God, who sees all and judges righteously, and who truly understands the suffering of His people.