Job 6:30
Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
Original Language Analysis
הֲיֵשׁ
Is there
H3426
הֲיֵשׁ
Is there
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
1 of 8
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
בִּלְשׁוֹנִ֥י
in my tongue
H3956
בִּלְשׁוֹנִ֥י
in my tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
2 of 8
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
חִ֝כִּ֗י
cannot my taste
H2441
חִ֝כִּ֗י
cannot my taste
Strong's:
H2441
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The wisdom tradition highly valued the ability to discern good from evil, seeing it as evidence of maturity and divine favor. Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes gaining discernment and understanding. Job's claim to possess this discernment while suffering challenges the assumption that suffering indicates lost wisdom or divine disfavor—a revolutionary perspective in ancient thought.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we develop the spiritual 'taste' that can immediately discern truth from error, good from evil?
- What role does a clear conscience play in sustaining faith during unexplained suffering?
- How can we cultivate Job's confidence in our moral discernment without falling into the trap of trusting our own understanding above Scripture?
Analysis & Commentary
Job concludes his defense with two rhetorical questions emphasizing his moral discernment. 'Iniquity in my tongue' (avelah, עַוְלָה) asks whether he has spoken unjustly or falsely. 'Cannot my taste discern perverse things' (chavvah, הַוָּה) uses the metaphor of palate or taste—the ability to distinguish wholesome from corrupt, truth from falsehood. The Hebrew 'taste' (chek, חֵךְ) refers to the organ that detects flavor, suggesting Job has a developed moral sense that immediately recognizes evil, just as the tongue detects bitter from sweet. This verse asserts Job's sanctified conscience and moral clarity. Reformed theology affirms that while our conscience can be seared or corrupted by sin (1 Timothy 4:2), the regenerate believer develops increasing discernment through the Spirit and Scripture (Hebrews 5:14). Job's confidence in his moral discernment isn't arrogance but the fruit of his faithful walk with God, established in verse 1:1.