Job 15:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 15:5
5 For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.
Chapter Context
Job 15 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, hope, righteousness. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 15:5
5 For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 5:13, Psalms 64:3, Jeremiah 9:8, Luke 6:45, James 1:26