Job 15:5
For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פִ֑יךָ
For thy mouth
H6310
פִ֑יךָ
For thy mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וְ֝תִבְחַ֗ר
and thou choosest
H977
וְ֝תִבְחַ֗ר
and thou choosest
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
Cross References
Jeremiah 9:8Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.Psalms 64:3Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:Job 5:13He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.Luke 6:45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.James 1:26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Historical Context
In ancient Hebrew thought, the mouth revealed the heart (Proverbs 23:7). Eliphaz applies this principle backwards: since Job defends himself, his heart must be wicked. This represents a perversion of wisdom tradition into a weapon for condemning the suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you ever experienced or witnessed someone being told their protest of innocence proves their guilt?
- How does Eliphaz's logic resemble modern 'gaslighting' in spiritual contexts?
- When does appropriate discernment of someone's words cross into spiritual abuse?
Analysis & Commentary
For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty—Eliphaz escalates from criticizing Job's words to diagnosing their source: 'avonecha (עֲוֹנְךָ, 'your iniquity'). He claims Job's mouth betrays hidden sin, and that Job deliberately chooses leshon arumim (לְשׁוֹן עֲרוּמִים, 'tongue of the crafty/shrewd'). The word arum describes the serpent in Genesis 3:1—Eliphaz effectively calls Job satanic.
This accusation follows a dangerous logic: if you defend yourself against charges of sin, your defense proves your guilt. Job is trapped in a hermeneutical circle where any protest confirms the accusation. This is the psychology of spiritual abuse—making the victim's self-defense evidence of their guilt. The book condemns this reasoning absolutely.