Job 33:3

My words [shall be of] the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.

My words {H561} shall be of the uprightness {H3476} of my heart {H3820}: and my lips {H8193} shall utter {H4448} knowledge {H1847} clearly {H1305}.

I will say exactly what is on my mind; what my lips know, they will speak sincerely.

My words are from an upright heart, and my lips speak sincerely what I know.

My wordsshall utterthe uprightness of my heart; And that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.

Commentary

Context

Job 33:3 is part of Elihu's discourse to Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar). Elihu, a younger man, has been listening intently to the arguments and, feeling that the older men have failed to convince Job or offer truly insightful counsel, now takes his turn to speak. Chapters 32-37 comprise Elihu's contribution to the dialogue. In Job 32:6-7, he explains his initial hesitation due to his youth, but then asserts that true wisdom comes not from age alone, but from the spirit of God (Job 32:8). This verse, Job 33:3, serves as a direct preface to his upcoming arguments, establishing his credibility and the nature of his intended speech.

Key Themes

  • Integrity and Sincerity: Elihu claims his words will not be manipulative, deceitful, or self-serving, but rather flow from a place of genuine rectitude and honesty. He aims to speak without hidden agenda.
  • Clarity and Knowledge: He promises to deliver his message plainly and understandably, offering true insight rather than obscure rhetoric or flawed reasoning, which he implies characterized the previous speakers' contributions.
  • Confidence in his Message: Elihu expresses conviction in the truthfulness and value of what he is about to say, suggesting he believes his perspective will be more enlightening than that of Job's friends.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "uprightness of my heart" translates the Hebrew word yosher (Χ™Χ•Χ©Χ¨), which signifies straightness, rectitude, or integrity. It implies a lack of crookedness or deceit, indicating moral honesty and purity of motive. When Elihu says his lips "shall utter knowledge clearly," the Hebrew word for "clearly" is barur (Χ‘Χ¨Χ•Χ¨), meaning purified, distinct, or lucid. This emphasizes that his communication will be precise, well-articulated, and free from ambiguity or error, contrasting with the muddled or mistaken counsel Job had received.

Related Scriptures

Elihu's assertion of speaking truth from the heart echoes principles found elsewhere in Scripture. For instance, Psalm 15:2 describes the righteous person as one who "walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart." Similarly, Proverbs 10:32 states, "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable." Elihu positions himself as a speaker of such integrity, aiming to provide genuine understanding unlike the flawed wisdom of Job's companions, which eventually God Himself rebukes in Job 42:7.

Practical Application

This verse offers a valuable lesson on the importance of integrity and clarity in communication, especially when offering counsel or wisdom. When we speak, particularly on matters of faith or life advice, our words should stem from a sincere heart, free from hidden agendas or pride. Our aim should be to convey truth clearly and understandably, ensuring that our message is both pure in motive and precise in delivery. This commitment to speaking with grace and truth builds trust and ensures that knowledge is genuinely imparted, rather than obscured or distorted.

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Cross-References

  • Job 27:4 (4 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 20:15 (3 votes)

    ΒΆ There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:3 (3 votes)

    For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (3 votes)

    But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

  • Psalms 37:30 (2 votes)

    The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

  • Psalms 37:31 (2 votes)

    The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

  • Job 36:3 (2 votes)

    I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.