Job 27:4

KJV

My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

KJV (with Strong's)

My lips {H8193} shall not speak {H1696} wickedness {H5766}, nor my tongue {H3956} utter {H1897} deceit {H7423}.

Complete Jewish Bible

my lips will not speak unrighteousness, or my tongue utter deceit.

Berean Standard Bible

my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will not utter deceit.

American Standard Version

Surely my lips shall not speak unrighteousness, Neither shall my tongue utter deceit.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Job 27:4 is situated within Job's climactic and most extensive monologue, which spans chapters 27-31. This section immediately follows the exhaustive and ultimately inconclusive debates with his three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who have consistently maintained that Job's suffering must be a direct consequence of unconfessed sin, thereby implying he is secretly wicked or deceitful. Job's declaration in [Job 27](/job/27 "Job 27 - Job's Final Discourse") serves as his definitive rebuttal, a solemn oath of innocence, and a profound defense of his character before God and his accusers. It is a powerful affirmation of his righteousness, not as a claim to sinless perfection, but as an assertion that he has not committed the specific, grievous sins of hypocrisy and deceit that his friends so vehemently impute to him. This verse underscores his unwavering resolve to maintain his moral integrity to his dying breath, even as he continues to grapple with the profound mystery of his suffering and God's apparent silence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely in the land of Uz, a region renowned for its rich wisdom traditions. Within this cultural milieu, verbal integrity and the solemnity of an oath were profoundly significant, often serving as the very foundation of social trust and legal standing. A person's word was often their bond, and false witness, deceitful speech, or breaking an oath was considered a grave offense, carrying severe social and religious repercussions. The prevailing theological framework, particularly among Job's friends, was a rigid form of retribution theology, which posited a direct, immediate, and observable correlation between sin and suffering, and righteousness and prosperity. Job's inexplicable suffering, therefore, was interpreted by his friends as irrefutable proof of his hidden wickedness. His declaration in [Job 27:4](/job/27-4 "Job 27:4 - Job's Vow of Integrity") directly challenges this flawed theological premise by asserting his moral purity, even in the face of inexplicable adversity, reflecting a deeper understanding of righteousness that transcends mere external circumstances or simplistic cause-and-effect.
* **Key Themes:** Job 27:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the Book of Job. Foremost is the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness**, as Job fiercely defends his blamelessness against the persistent accusations of his friends, affirming that his outward conduct and inward character are consistent and true. This verse also highlights the **Power and Purity of Speech**, emphasizing that one's words are a direct reflection of the heart and a critical aspect of moral uprightness before God and humanity. Job's resolute refusal to speak wickedness or deceit underscores the profound biblical emphasis on truthfulness, a theme echoed throughout wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things the Lord Hates"). Furthermore, the verse speaks powerfully to **Steadfastness in Suffering**, demonstrating Job's remarkable spiritual fortitude in maintaining his convictions and moral standards even under extreme duress and false accusation. His declaration is a testament to his unwavering faith in his own vindication by God, even when the path forward is unclear and hope seems distant, as seen in his earlier, powerful statement of faith in [Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - Job's Redeemer Lives").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) primarily means "to arrange" but is used figuratively of words, meaning "to speak," "to declare," or "to utter." It can also carry a sense of commanding or appointing. When Job declares his lips "shall not speak" wickedness, he is asserting a deliberate and active refusal to formulate or articulate words that are contrary to divine order or moral truth. It implies a conscious control over the very act of verbalization.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _ʻevel'_):** This term (H5766) denotes moral evil, iniquity, perverseness, or unrighteousness. It refers to a state of being or an act that is fundamentally contrary to divine law and moral uprightness. When Job declares his lips will not speak "wickedness," he is asserting that he will not utter words that are inherently evil, unjust, or designed to cause harm, promote moral corruption, or distort truth. This extends beyond mere falsehood to encompass speech that is fundamentally contrary to God's character and righteous standards.
* **deceit (Hebrew, _rᵉmîyâh'_):** This word (H7423) carries the connotation of remissness, treachery, fraud, or dishonesty. It implies a deliberate intention to mislead, to act with guile, or to present a false appearance. By vowing that his tongue will not "utter deceit," Job is specifically refuting the accusation that he is a hypocrite or that he has hidden sins that he is unwilling to confess. He pledges that his words will be truthful and straightforward, devoid of any hidden agenda, treacherous intent, or a desire to manipulate, even in the context of his passionate self-defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My lips shall not speak wickedness":** This clause emphasizes Job's active and resolute commitment to refrain from uttering words that are morally evil, unjust, or contrary to God's truth and righteous standards. It is a profound declaration of his moral purity in communication, asserting that his speech will not be a vehicle for sin, unrighteousness, or the promotion of evil. This statement directly challenges his friends' accusations that his suffering is due to some hidden, wicked speech or action on his part.
* **"nor my tongue utter deceit":** This parallel clause powerfully reinforces the first, focusing specifically on the avoidance of falsehood, treachery, or guile in his verbal expression. Job vows that his words will be honest, transparent, and free from any attempt to mislead, manipulate, or conceal the truth. This is a potent affirmation of his integrity, particularly in the context where his friends accuse him of hypocrisy and secret sin. The use of "tongue" alongside "lips" creates a comprehensive statement about the entirety of his verbal capacity, signifying a comprehensive and absolute refusal to engage in any form of unrighteous or dishonest speech.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")
* [Psalm 34:13](/psalms/34-13 "Psalm 34:13 - Guard Your Tongue from Evil and Your Lips from Speaking Deceit")
* [Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36-37 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Account for Every Idle Word")

### 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
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to speak deceitfully, to exaggerate, or to allow wickedness to influence my words?**
* **How does my daily speech, both online and offline, truly reflect my commitment to Christ and His truth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater integrity, purity, and grace in my communication, especially when I feel pressured, misunderstood, or unjustly accused?**
* **How can Job's powerful example of verbal steadfastness in the midst of profound suffering encourage me to speak truth and righteousness even when it is difficult, unpopular, or costly?**

### 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](/job/27-4 "Job 27:4 - Job's Vow of Integrity"). 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](/job/13-23 "Job 13:23 - Job's Plea to God")). 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](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks") 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and His promises are always faithful and true ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). 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](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue")). 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](/job/27-4 "Job 27:4 - Job's Vow of Integrity")—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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The Apostle Peter explicitly affirms that Jesus "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1-peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Speech")), 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](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")). 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](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to One Another")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to transform our naturally deceitful hearts and align our words with the perfect truthfulness and righteousness of our Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 13:7

Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?

John 8:55

Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

Job 6:28

Now therefore be content, look upon me; for [it is] evident unto you if I lie.

Job 34:6

Should I lie against my right? my wound [is] incurable without transgression.

2 Corinthians 11:10

As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.