Job 5:2

KJV

For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

KJV (with Strong's)

For wrath {H3708} killeth {H2026} the foolish man {H191}, and envy {H7068} slayeth {H4191} the silly one {H6601}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For anger kills the fool, and envy slays the silly.

Berean Standard Bible

For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.

American Standard Version

For vexation killeth the foolish man, And jealousy slayeth the silly one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 5:2, a proverbial assertion from Eliphaz the Temanite, declares that "wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one." This statement reflects a traditional wisdom perspective, positing that unchecked negative emotions like anger and jealousy, particularly when harbored by those lacking wisdom and discernment, inevitably lead to self-destruction and ruin. While Eliphaz misapplies this principle to Job's unique suffering, the verse encapsulates a general truth about the destructive power of human folly and uncontrolled passions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Eliphaz's initial discourse to Job, found in [Job 4](/job/4 "Job 4 - Eliphaz's First Speech") and [Job 5](/job/5 "Job 5 - Eliphaz Continues"). Following Job's profound lament in [Job 3](/job/3 "Job 3 - Job's Lament"), Eliphaz, the first of Job's three friends to speak, attempts to provide a theological explanation for Job's immense suffering. His argument is rooted in the prevailing retribution theology of the time: God punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous. Job 5:2 serves as a proverbial truth within Eliphaz's larger assertion that Job's suffering must be a consequence of some hidden sin, implying that Job, like the "foolish" or "silly" man, has brought destruction upon himself through his own actions or attitudes, perhaps even harboring the very wrath or envy he speaks of. Eliphaz's speech also includes a vision in [Job 4:12-21](/job/4-12-21 "Job 4:12-21 - Eliphaz's Vision") that reinforces his view of human sinfulness before a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a cultural milieu where a strong correlation was often drawn between one's moral conduct and their material prosperity or suffering. This "retribution theology" was a dominant framework for understanding divine justice. In this worldview, severe suffering, like Job's, was almost universally interpreted as evidence of significant sin. Eliphaz, as a "Temanite," likely hailed from Edom, a region known for its wisdom traditions, as evidenced by figures like Eliphaz and the references to Edomite wisdom in [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Wisdom of Edom"). The concepts of "foolish" and "silly" individuals are common in ancient wisdom literature, distinguishing between those who embrace wisdom and those who reject it, often leading to their downfall, a theme echoed throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Living").
* **Key Themes:**
* **Retribution Theology:** The verse is a clear articulation of the belief that wickedness leads to suffering and destruction, a core tenet of the friends' arguments throughout the book. Eliphaz's entire speech, including [Job 4:7-9](/job/4-7-9 "Job 4:7-9 - Eliphaz's Argument on the Destruction of the Wicked"), is built upon this premise, which the narrative of Job ultimately challenges as an insufficient explanation for all suffering, particularly that of the righteous.
* **The Destructive Nature of Folly and Unchecked Emotions:** Job 5:2 highlights the self-destructive consequences of a lack of wisdom and the indulgence of negative emotions. "Wrath" and "envy" are presented as internal forces that can consume an individual, leading to their demise. This theme resonates with broader biblical wisdom, which frequently warns against the perils of uncontrolled passions and the importance of discernment, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 14:30](/proverbs/14-30 "Proverbs 14:30 - A tranquil heart gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones").
* **The Problem of Suffering:** While Eliphaz's application of this principle to Job is flawed, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of suffering within the book of Job. It presents one common, albeit incomplete, explanation for suffering, setting the stage for the deeper theological exploration of innocent suffering that unfolds later in the narrative and is ultimately addressed by God in [Job 38-41](/job/38-41 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _kaʻaç'_):** From H3708, this term denotes "vexation," "anger," "grief," "indignation," or "spite." In Job 5:2, it refers to a deep-seated, consuming internal rage or bitterness. When harbored by the "foolish man," it becomes a lethal force, not merely a fleeting emotion but a destructive disposition that leads to ruin.
* **Foolish man (Hebrew, _ʼĕvîyl'_):** From H191, this describes a specific type of fool in Hebrew wisdom literature. Unlike someone merely ignorant, the _ʼĕvîyl'_ is morally and spiritually foolish, characterized by stubbornness, arrogance, and a willful rejection of wisdom, instruction, or God's ways. Their folly is a deep-seated character flaw that leads to self-inflicted harm.
* **Envy (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** From H7068, this term refers to "jealousy or envy." While it can sometimes mean "zeal" in a positive sense, in this context, it carries the negative connotation of bitter resentment or passionate rivalry. It describes a consuming desire for what another possesses, often accompanied by ill will, which can devour the one who harbors it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For wrath killeth the foolish man":** This clause asserts a direct causal link between the internal state of "wrath" (consuming anger or indignation) and the demise of the "foolish man" (one who stubbornly rejects wisdom). The verb "killeth" (from H2026, _hârag_, meaning "to smite with deadly intent" or "slay") implies a fatal outcome, suggesting that such unchecked anger leads to spiritual, relational, and potentially even physical ruin for the one who harbors it.
* **"and envy slayeth the silly one":** This parallel clause reinforces the theme, stating that "envy" (bitter resentment or jealousy) is similarly destructive to the "silly one" (from H6601, _pâthâh_, meaning someone "simple" or "easily deluded"). The verb "slayeth" (from H4191, _mûwth_, meaning "to die" or "to kill") echoes the lethal consequence, indicating that corrosive jealousy can utterly destroy the life and well-being of the person who succumbs to it.

#### Literary Devices
Job 5:2 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its message. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second line reiterates the meaning of the first using different, but equivalent, terms. "Wrath killeth the foolish man" is paralleled by "envy slayeth the silly one," reinforcing the central idea that destructive emotions lead to ruin. The verse also utilizes **Personification**, giving human-like agency to abstract concepts: "wrath" and "envy" are depicted as active agents that "kill" and "slay," rather than merely being internal states. This makes their destructive power more vivid and impactful. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, presenting a concise, general truth about cause and effect in human behavior, typical of wisdom literature. This concise form lends it an air of authority and timelessness, despite its misapplication in Job's specific case.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Eliphaz's application of this principle to Job was ultimately deemed incorrect by God ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")), the general truth embedded in Job 5:2 holds profound theological significance. It aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the destructive power of sin, particularly the internal sins of the heart. Unchecked anger and envy are not merely minor character flaws but are presented as forces capable of leading to spiritual, relational, and even physical death. This verse underscores the wisdom tradition's warning against folly and the necessity of cultivating self-control and discernment. It teaches that the consequences of our internal states are as real and impactful as our external actions, highlighting the importance of guarding one's heart and mind.

* [Proverbs 14:30](/proverbs/14-30 "Proverbs 14:30 - A tranquil heart gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones")
* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?")
* [James 1:15](/james/1-15 "James 1:15 - Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 5:2, though spoken by a flawed human interpreter, offers a timeless and relevant warning for all. It compels us to look inward and examine the hidden corners of our hearts. While we may not always see the immediate, dramatic "killing" or "slaying" that Eliphaz speaks of, the insidious nature of unresolved wrath and festering envy can indeed erode our well-being, poison our relationships, and hinder our spiritual growth. These emotions, if left unchecked, can lead to poor judgment, isolation, bitterness, and a profound sense of dissatisfaction, effectively "killing" our joy, peace, and capacity for love. The verse challenges us to cultivate wisdom, not merely as intellectual knowledge, but as a moral and spiritual discernment that allows us to recognize and confront these destructive impulses within ourselves. It calls for a proactive approach to emotional and spiritual health, reminding us that true flourishing comes from a heart free from such consuming passions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways do "wrath" and "envy" manifest in my own thoughts, words, or actions?**
* **How might allowing these emotions to fester be "killing" aspects of my relationships, peace of mind, or spiritual vitality?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate greater wisdom, self-control, and a more tranquil spirit in response to challenging circumstances or perceived injustices?**

### FAQ
**Is Eliphaz's statement in Job 5:2 true, given how the book of Job ends?**

Answer: As a general principle of wisdom literature, the statement "For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one" holds a universal truth: unchecked negative emotions and a lack of wisdom can indeed lead to self-destruction and ruin. Many proverbs affirm this, such as [Proverbs 14:30](/proverbs/14-30 "Proverbs 14:30 - A tranquil heart gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones") and [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?"). However, Eliphaz's *application* of this truth to Job's suffering was incorrect and ultimately rebuked by God in [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends"). The book of Job demonstrates that not all suffering is a direct consequence of personal sin, challenging the simplistic retribution theology that Eliphaz and the other friends espoused. So, the statement itself is true in principle, but its use as an explanation for Job's unique situation was profoundly misguided.

**What is the difference between the "foolish man" and the "silly one" as described in this verse?**

Answer: While both terms denote a lack of wisdom, they carry distinct nuances in Hebrew thought. The "foolish man" (Hebrew: _ʼĕvîyl_, H191) refers to someone who is morally and spiritually obtuse, often characterized by stubbornness, arrogance, and a willful rejection of wisdom or divine instruction. Their folly is a deep-seated character flaw. In contrast, the "silly one" (Hebrew: _pâthâh_, H6601) describes someone who is simple, naive, easily persuaded, or lacking in discernment. A _pâthâh_ is vulnerable to deception and prone to making unwise choices, often through their own unbridled passions or lack of critical thinking. Both types of individuals are susceptible to self-destruction, particularly when consumed by destructive emotions like wrath or envy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 5:2, with its stark warning against the destructive power of wrath and envy, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the verse highlights humanity's propensity for self-destruction through sin, Christ embodies the perfect wisdom and self-control that overcomes these very forces. He was never consumed by wrath or envy; instead, He perfectly modeled patience, humility, and love, even in the face of immense provocation and injustice. His teachings radically reframe the understanding of sin, moving beyond outward actions to the internal state of the heart, as seen in His Sermon on the Mount where He equates unjustified anger with murder ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus' Teaching on Anger")) and lust with adultery. Jesus reveals that true defilement comes from within, from the heart, where "evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness" originate ([Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21-23 "Mark 7:21-23 - What Defiles a Person Comes From Within")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ provides the means for humanity to be freed from the dominion of these destructive passions, offering forgiveness and a new nature. The Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers them to put off the old self, which is characterized by such vices as "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk" ([Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Colossians 3:8 - Put Off the Old Self")), and put on the new self, which reflects the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, what "killeth the foolish man" and "slayeth the silly one" is overcome by the life-giving power of Christ, who transforms hearts and enables true wisdom and spiritual flourishing, leading to eternal life rather than destruction ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - For God So Loved the World")).

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

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Hosea 7:11

Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.

Proverbs 12:16

¶ A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.

Psalms 75:4

I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:

Job 18:4

He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?

Psalms 14:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.

Psalms 92:6

A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.