Job 9:20
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֶ֭צְדָּק
If I justify
H6663
אֶ֭צְדָּק
If I justify
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
2 of 7
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
פִּ֣י
myself mine own mouth
H6310
פִּ֣י
myself mine own mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
shall condemn
H7561
יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
shall condemn
Strong's:
H7561
Word #:
4 of 7
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom valued self-examination, but Job goes deeper by acknowledging that even self-knowledge is limited. The tongue's double nature (defense/condemnation) appears throughout Scripture (James 3:9-10).
Questions for Reflection
- When have your words of self-defense actually condemned you?
- How does Christ's advocacy replace your need for self-justification?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's self-aware statement 'If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me' reveals the impossibility of self-vindication. The mouth that speaks defense becomes the instrument of judgment - a profound recognition that human words ultimately fail before divine truth. Only God can vindicate.