TRV
Translation
American Standard Version
Surely my lips shall not speak unrighteousness, Neither shall my tongue utter deceit.
World English Bible Messianic
surely my lips shall not speak unrighteousness, neither shall my tongue utter deceit.
Geneva Bible (1599)
My lips surely shall speake no wickednesse, and my tongue shall vtter no deceite.
Young's Literal Translation
My lips do not speak perverseness, And my tongue doth not utter deceit.
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In the KJVVerse 13,486 of 31,102
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Commentary on Job 27 verses 1–6
1 ¶ Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
2 As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;
3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.
Job's discourse here is called a parable (mashal), the title of Solomon's proverbs, because it was grave and weighty, and very instructive, and he spoke as one having authority. It comes from a word that signifies to rule, or have dominion; and some think it intimates that Job now triumphed over his opponents, and spoke as one that had baffled them. We say of an excellent preacher that he knows how dominari in concionibus - to command his hearers. Job did so here. A long strife there had been between Job and his friends; they seemed disposed to have the matter compromised; and therefore, since an oath for confirmation is an end of strife (Heb 6:16), Job here backs all he had said in maintenance of his own integrity with a solemn oath, to silence contradiction, and take the blame entirely upon himself if he prevaricated. Observe,
I. The form of his oath (Job 27:2): As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment. Here, 1. He speaks highly of God, in calling him the living God (which means everliving, the eternal God, that has life in himself) and in appealing to him as the sole and sovereign Judge. We can swear by no greater, and it is an affront to him to swear by any other. 2. Yet he speaks hardly of him, and unbecomingly, in saying that he had taken away his judgment (that is, refused to do him justice in this controversy and to appear in defence of him), and that by continuing his troubles, on which his friends grounded their censures of him, he had taken from him the opportunity he hoped ere now to have of clearing himself. Elihu reproved him for this word (Job 34:5); for God is righteous in all his ways, and takes away no man's judgment. But see how apt we are to despair of favour if it be not shown us immediately, so poor-spirited are we and so soon weary of waiting God's time. He also charges it upon God that he had vexed his soul, had not only not appeared for him, but had appeared against him, and, by laying such grievous afflictions upon him had quite embittered his life to him and all the comforts of it. We, by our impatience, vex our own souls and then complain of God that he has vexed them. Yet see Job's confidence in the goodness both of his cause and of his God, that though God seemed to be angry with him, and to act against him for the present, yet he could cheerfully commit his cause to him.
II. The matter of his oath, Job 27:3, Job 27:4. 1. That he would not speak wickedness, nor utter deceit - that, in general, he would never allow himself in the way of lying, that, as in this debate he had all along spoken as he thought, so he would never wrong his conscience by speaking otherwise; he would never maintain any doctrine, nor assert any matter of fact, but what he believed to be true; nor would he deny the truth, how much soever it might make against him: and, whereas his friends charged him with being a hypocrite, he was ready to answer, upon oath, to all their interrogatories, if called to do so. On the one hand he would not, for all the world, deny the charge if he knew himself guilty, but would declare the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and take to himself the shame of his hypocrisy. On the other hand, since he was conscious to himself of his integrity, and that he was not such a man as his friends represented him, he would never betray his integrity, nor charge himself with that which he was innocent of. He would not be brought, no, not by the rack of their unjust censures, falsely to accuse himself. If we must not bear false witness against our neighbour, then not against ourselves. 2. That he would adhere to this resolution as long as he lived (Job 27:3): All the while my breath is in me. Our resolutions against sin should be thus constant, resolutions for life. In things doubtful and indifferent, it is not safe to be thus peremptory. We know not what reason we may see to change our mind: God may reveal to us that which we now are not aware of. But in so plain a thing as this we cannot be too positive that we will never speak wickedness. Something of a reason for his resolution is here implied - that our breath will not be always in us. We must shortly breathe our last, and therefore, while our breath is in us, we must never breathe wickedness and deceit, nor allow ourselves to say or do any thing which will make against us when our breath shall depart. The breath in us is called the spirit of God, because he breathed it into us; and this is another reason why we must not speak wickedness. It is God that gives us life and breath, and therefore, while we have breath, we must praise him.
III. The explication of his oath (Job 27:5, Job 27:6): "God forbid that I should justify you in your uncharitable censures of me, by owning myself a hypocrite: no, until I die I will not remove my integrity from me; my righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go." 1. He would always be an honest man, would hold fast his integrity, and not curse God, as Satan, by his wife, urged him to do, Job 2:9. Job here thinks of dying, and of getting ready for death, and therefore resolves never to part with his religion, though he had lost all he had in the world. Note, The best preparative for death is perseverance to death in our integrity. "Until I die," that is, "though I die by this affliction, I will not thereby be put out of conceit with my God and my religion. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." 2. He would always stand to it that he was an honest man; he would not remove, he would not part with, the conscience, and comfort, and credit of his integrity; he was resolved to defend it to the last. "God knows, and my own heart knows, that I always meant well, and did not allow myself in the omission of any known duty or the commission of any known sin. This is my rejoicing, and no man shall rob me of it; I will never lie against my right." It has often been the lot of upright men to be censured and condemned as hypocrites; but it well becomes them to bear up boldly against such censures, and not to be discouraged by them nor think the worse of themselves for them; as the apostle (Heb 13:18): We have a good conscience in all things, willing to live honestly.
Hic murus aheneus esto, nil conscire sibi.
Be this thy brazen bulwark of defence,
Still to preserve thy conscious innocence.
Job complained much of the reproaches of his friends; but (says he) my heart shall not reproach me, that is, "I will never give my heart cause to reproach me, but will keep a conscience void of offence; and, while I do so, I will not give my heart leave to reproach me." Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifies. To resolve that our hearts shall not reproach us when we give them cause to do so is to affront God, whose deputy conscience is, and to wrong ourselves; for it is a good thing, when a man has sinned, to have a heart within him to smite him for it, Sa2 24:10. But to resolve that our hearts shall not reproach us while we still hold fast our integrity is to baffle the designs of the evil spirit (who tempts good Christians to question their adoption, If thou be the Son of God) and to concur with the operations of the good Spirit, who witnesses to their adoption.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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Gregory the DialogistAD 604
MORALS ON THE BOOK OF JOB 18.5
What he first calls “iniquity,” afterward he calls “falsehood.” All “falsehood” is “iniquity,” and all “iniquity” is “falsehood.” For whatever is at variance with truth is surely at odds with justice. But there is a wide difference between “to speak” and “to meditate,” which he adds afterward. For sometimes it is a worse thing to “meditate” falsehood than to speak it, because speaking it is very frequently a matter of being impetuous, but to “meditate” on it shows deliberate wickedness. And who could be ignorant of the great differernce when distinguishing sin, whether one tells a lie inconsiderately or deliberately? But the holy person who perfectly adheres to the truth would neither lie deliberately, nor would he do so impetuously.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Job 27:4 presents a powerful and unwavering declaration from Job during his final, impassioned discourse, asserting his profound integrity and the unblemished purity of his speech despite enduring immense suffering and the relentless, unfounded accusations of his friends. In this pivotal verse, Job adamantly refutes the notion that he has ever used or would ever use his words for wickedness or deceit, thereby steadfastly defending his blamelessness before God and humanity against claims of hypocrisy and hidden sin. It stands as a profound testament to his unyielding commitment to truth and righteousness, even when subjected to the most extreme duress and the crucible of inexplicable adversity.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 27:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to amplify its profound impact and underscore Job's unwavering resolve. Synonymous Parallelism is prominently featured, where the first clause, "My lips shall not speak wickedness," is echoed and powerfully reinforced by the second, "nor my tongue utter deceit." While distinct in their specific nuances (general moral evil versus specific falsehood or treachery), both clauses convey the same overarching commitment to righteous and truthful speech, creating a powerful, reinforcing effect that emphasizes the depth of Job's integrity. This parallelism also functions as a Merism, where the pairing of "lips" and "tongue" together represents the entirety of Job's verbal capacity, signifying a comprehensive and absolute refusal to engage in any form of unrighteous speech, from the slightest whisper to the most public declaration. Furthermore, Job's declaration carries an element of Hyperbole, as he states an absolute and unqualified commitment to perfect speech. While Job is not claiming to be utterly sinless (he acknowledges his human frailty elsewhere), this strong, definitive statement underscores his profound conviction of innocence regarding the specific charges of hypocrisy and deceit leveled against him by his friends. It is a declaration of his moral resolve and a rhetorical flourish designed to emphasize the depth and unshakeable nature of his integrity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:4 resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on the sanctity of speech and the paramount importance of truthfulness as a fundamental reflection of one's character and relationship with God. Job's resolute commitment to pure speech aligns perfectly with the divine standard for communication, where words are consistently seen not merely as fleeting sounds but as powerful instruments that reveal the heart and carry immense spiritual and tangible consequences. Throughout Scripture, God's own character is consistently portrayed as utterly truthful, faithful, and incapable of deceit, making falsehood and wickedness in speech an absolute antithesis to His very nature. Therefore, for humanity to speak truth and avoid deceit is to align oneself with the divine character and to honor God in the most fundamental way. Job's declaration is a profound testament to his desire to honor God with his words, even when under immense pressure, suffering, and false accusation, demonstrating a deep and mature understanding of the spiritual weight and moral imperative of verbal integrity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:4 challenges believers to a profound and searching examination of their own verbal integrity in a world often saturated with misinformation, casual dishonesty, and divisive rhetoric. Job, facing the ultimate test of his character and faith, chose to uphold truth and purity of speech even when it offered no immediate relief from his suffering and when speaking deceit might have temporarily appeased his accusers or eased his plight. This verse calls us to recognize that our words are never neutral; they carry immense spiritual weight, reflecting the true condition of our hearts and profoundly impacting our witness to the world. In an age of rapid digital communication where words can be easily and widely disseminated, Job's steadfast commitment to avoiding "wickedness" and "deceit" serves as a powerful and timely reminder to guard our tongues, whether in personal conversations, professional interactions, social media discourse, or public statements. It compels us to speak truthfully, kindly, constructively, and righteously, especially when under pressure, when our character is questioned, or when the truth is unpopular or costly. Ultimately, Job's example urges us to align our speech with the character of God, who is truth and light, thereby allowing our words to be a consistent testimony to His transforming power and presence in our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Job claiming to be sinless in this verse?
Answer: No, Job is not claiming absolute sinlessness or moral perfection in Job 27:4. Throughout the Book of Job, he acknowledges his human frailty and even expresses a desire for God to show him his transgressions (e.g., Job 13:23). In this specific declaration, Job is adamantly refuting the specific accusations of his friends, who have repeatedly charged him with hypocrisy, secret wickedness, and deceit as the cause of his suffering. He is asserting his innocence regarding these particular, grievous sins, affirming that he has not used his words to lie, to cover up any hidden iniquity, or to engage in the kind of moral corruption they impute to him. His statement is a powerful and solemn defense of his moral integrity against false charges, not a claim to perfect, sinless existence.
Why is verbal integrity so important in the Bible?
Answer: Verbal integrity is paramount in the Bible because words are understood as powerful, reflecting the very heart and character of a person. As Matthew 12:34 states, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks," indicating that our words are a direct revelation of our inner state, beliefs, and true motivations. God Himself is consistently described as truth (John 14:6), and His promises are always faithful and true (2 Corinthians 1:20). Therefore, for humanity to speak truth and avoid deceit is to align with the divine nature and to honor God. Moreover, the Bible teaches that words possess immense power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse, to spread truth or propagate falsehoods, impacting individuals and communities significantly (e.g., Proverbs 18:21). Thus, the Bible consistently calls believers to guard their tongues and to speak with integrity as a vital aspect of their walk with God, their witness to the world, and their pursuit of righteousness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's profound declaration in Job 27:4—that his lips would not speak wickedness nor his tongue utter deceit—finds its ultimate, perfect, and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job, as a righteous man, could only aspire to such verbal purity and affirm his innocence against specific false charges, Jesus embodied it flawlessly and perfectly. The New Testament consistently testifies to Christ's absolute integrity of speech; He was the very embodiment of truth, as He Himself declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The Apostle Peter explicitly affirms that Jesus "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" (1 Peter 2:22), directly echoing and perfectly fulfilling the sentiment of Job's earnest vow. Unlike Job, who was falsely accused but still a man prone to human frailty, Jesus truly was without sin, and His every word was pure, life-giving, and eternally true (John 6:63). He perfectly fulfilled the righteous demands of the Law regarding speech, never once speaking wickedness or deceit, even when facing the most severe accusations, betrayal, and unimaginable suffering that led to the cross. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ, to "put away falsehood and speak the truth each one to his neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25), empowered by the Holy Spirit to transform our naturally deceitful hearts and align our words with the perfect truthfulness and righteousness of our Savior.