Job 15:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 15:31
31 Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.
Chapter Context
Job 15 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, prayer, grace. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 15:31
31 Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.
Analysis
'Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.' Eliphaz warns: don't let the 'deceived' (נִתְעָה, nit'ah) trust in 'vanity' (שָׁוְא, shav—emptiness, worthlessness), for vanity will be his 'recompence' (תְּמוּרָתוֹ, temurato—exchange, wages). The principle is sound: trusting worthless things yields worthless results (Isaiah 30:7, Jeremiah 2:5). The application to Job is false: Job doesn't trust vanity but cries to God. Eliphaz subtly equates Job's honest questions with trusting emptiness. This conflates faith with unquestioning acceptance. True faith can question and lament (Psalms, Habakkuk). The Reformed tradition distinguishes living faith (which includes honest struggle) from dead presumption.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom warned against trusting false securities—wealth, power, human schemes. Eliphaz here weaponizes this wisdom, suggesting Job's protests constitute trusting vanity rather than recognizing them as honest faith struggling with mystery.
Reflection
- How do we distinguish between trusting vanity and honestly wrestling with God?
- What false securities do we substitute for genuine trust in God's character?
Cross-References
- Faith: Psalms 62:10, Isaiah 59:4
- Parallel theme: Job 4:8, 12:16, Proverbs 22:8, Isaiah 44:20, Hosea 8:7, Jonah 2:8