Job 15:6

Commentary on Job 15:6 (KJV)

Job 15:6 presents a sharp accusation from Eliphaz the Temanite against Job during their intense theological debate. Eliphaz, one of Job's three friends, firmly believes that Job's profound suffering is a direct consequence of his sin. In this verse, Eliphaz claims that Job's own words and complaints are sufficient proof of his guilt, rendering any further accusation from him unnecessary.

Context

This verse is part of Eliphaz's second discourse to Job, following Job's passionate lament and defense of his innocence. The book of Job belongs to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament and explores the complex question of why the righteous suffer. Job's friends, including Eliphaz, operate under the traditional retribution theology prevalent in their time: that God blesses the righteous and punishes the wicked. From this perspective, Job's immense calamities could only mean he was secretly guilty of great sin. Eliphaz, having already laid out his initial arguments (see Job 4:7), now grows increasingly impatient and judgmental, interpreting Job's protests of innocence and his questioning of God's ways as further evidence of his unrighteousness and pride.

Key Themes

• The Power of Words: Eliphaz highlights how one's speech can reveal inner character or even condemn. He suggests that Job's own arguments, lamentations, and challenges to divine justice are self-incriminating. This echoes broader biblical wisdom about the significance of what comes out of one's mouth (compare Proverbs 18:21).
• Accusation and Blame: The verse underscores the friends' persistent stance of blaming Job for his misfortunes. They are less concerned with understanding Job's pain and more with fitting his experience into their rigid theological framework.
• Flawed Justice: Eliphaz's statement reveals the fundamental flaw in his theology—a simplistic understanding of divine justice that cannot account for innocent suffering. He believes Job's self-defense is not a plea but an admission of guilt.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Thine own mouth condemneth thee" uses the Hebrew word רָשַׁע (*rasha*), which means to be or declare guilty, to condemn, or to act wickedly. The parallel phrase, "thine own lips testify against thee," utilizes עָנָה (*anah*), meaning to answer, respond, or bear witness. The repetition of "mouth" and "lips" serves as a strong poetic device, emphasizing that the source of Job's perceived condemnation is entirely his own spoken words, leaving no room for Eliphaz to be the accuser.

Practical Application

Job 15:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of our words. While Eliphaz's judgment of Job was incorrect, the principle that our speech can reveal our heart's condition or even incriminate us holds true (see Matthew 12:37). This verse encourages us to:

• Guard Our Tongue: Be mindful of what we say, recognizing that words carry weight and reflect our inner state.
• Exercise Humility: Avoid quick judgment of others, especially those in distress, as our interpretations of their suffering may be flawed, much like Eliphaz's was concerning Job.
• Seek Understanding: Instead of condemning, strive to understand and offer comfort to those who are struggling, rather than piling on accusations based on assumptions.