◄ Job 15 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God 1Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: 2“Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? 3Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose? 4But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him. 5For your iniquity instructs your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty. 6Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you. 7Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills? 8Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself? 9What do you know that we do not? What do you understand that is not clear to us? 10Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side— men much older than your father. 11Are the consolations of God not enough for you, even words spoken gently to you? 12Why has your heart carried you away, and why do your eyes flash,a 13so that you turn your spirit against God and pour such words from your mouth? 14What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous? 15If God puts no trust in His holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in His eyes, 16how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water? 17Listen to me and I will inform you. I will describe what I have seen, 18what was declared by wise men and was not concealed from their fathers, 19to whom alone the land was given when no foreigner passed among them. 20A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless. 21Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. 22He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. 23He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand. 24Distress and anguish terrify him, overwhelming him like a king poised to attack. 25For he has stretched out his hand against God and has vaunted himself against the Almighty, 26rushing headlong at Him with a thick, studded shield. 27Though his face is covered with fat and his waistline bulges with flesh, 28he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become rubble. 29He will no longer be rich; his wealth will not endure. His possessions will not overspread the land. 30He will not escape from the darkness; the flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. 31Let him not deceive himself with trust in emptiness, for emptiness will be his reward. 32It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not flourish. 33He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree that sheds its blossoms. 34For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery. 35They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb is pregnant with deceit.” Footnotes: 12 a Or blink Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 15 Summary Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God Verses 1–6 – Eliphaz Rebukes Job’s Speech Eliphaz fires back, calling Job’s words empty and windy. He insists Job’s own mouth proves his guilt and blocks proper reverence for God. Verses 7–13 – Questioning Job’s Claims to Wisdom He mocks any idea that Job has special insight: Was Job around at creation? Does he alone hear God’s secret counsel? Elders older than Job’s father agree with Eliphaz, so why won’t Job accept their “gentle” comfort? Verses 14–16 – The Impurity of Humanity No one born of woman can claim purity. If even heaven’s hosts fall short, how much more a man who “drinks injustice like water”? Verses 17–19 – Eliphaz Appeals to Ancient Tradition Eliphaz offers wisdom “handed down” from the fathers, a tradition formed before foreigners ever lived in their land. Verses 20–35 – The Fate of the Wicked He paints a long, vivid picture: the ruthless writhe in pain, haunted by terror, doomed to darkness and the sword. Prosperity collapses, houses crumble, shoots wither, wealth disappears. The godless “conceive trouble and give birth to evil,” ending in fire and barrenness. Job 15 is a challenging discourse presented by Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, who takes a stern and even harsh stance in his second round of debates. Here, Eliphaz directly confronts Job, critiquing his assertions and seeking to shed light on the divine principles of wisdom and wickedness. The chapter is a potent exploration of the struggle between human understanding and divine knowledge, emphasizing the severity of sin and its consequences. Background on the Second Round Job 15 opens the middle cycle of debate. The friends have grown sharper; Job’s defiance has shocked them. Eliphaz, the most diplomatic earlier (Job 4–5), now sounds harsh. His main goal: push Job back under the conventional belief that suffering equals sin. Character Sketch: Eliphaz the Temanite • Teman was a famed center of Edomite wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7). • His first speech balanced gentleness with counsel; here he loses patience. • He relies on personal experience (v. 17 “what I have seen”) and tradition (v. 18). • He mixes theological claims with biting sarcasm—“Were you the first man ever born?” (v. 7). Literary Observations • Thirty-five verses form a single address, bracketed by direct challenges (vv. 2–6, 34–35). • Rhetorical questions pile up—13 in the first half alone—to corner Job. • Nature images: “hot east wind” (v. 2), “drinks injustice like water” (v. 16), “vine stripped of unripe grapes” (v. 33). • Military scene: the wicked rush at God “with his ornamented shield” (v. 26). • Legal language reappears: “Your own mouth condemns you” (v. 6). Retribution Theology Under the Microscope Eliphaz champions an immediate, this-life payback system: 1. Suffering = proof of wickedness (vv. 20–24). 2. Prosperity is temporary for evildoers (vv. 25–30). 3. God’s breath itself sweeps them away (v. 30). Job’s case will ultimately expose the weakness of this formula (Job 42:7–8; cf. Psalm 73). Key Words and Imagery Explained • “Hot east wind” – A blistering desert blast; proverb for pointless bluster (Hosea 12:1). • “Council of God” (v. 8) – The heavenly assembly where decisions are made (1 Kings 22:19). • “Holy ones” (v. 15) – Probably angelic beings, aligned with Job 5:1. • “Branch will not flourish” (v. 32) – Echoes Isaiah 14:19 about a fallen tyrant. • “Fire will consume the tents” (v. 34) – A nomadic image; tents symbolize household security. Historical and Archaeological Notes • Teman’s wisdom tradition: Ostraca and inscriptions from Edom’s Iron Age sites show advanced trade networks; wisdom was tied to diplomatic counsel. • The phrase “before foreigners passed among them” (v. 19) fits early patriarchal times, when certain enclaves saw themselves as uncontaminated by outside ideas. • “Ornamented shield” (v. 26) may reflect bronze-inlaid shields found in Late Bronze Age tombs across the Levant—status symbols used in ceremonial parades. Connections to Other Scriptures 1. The impurity of mankind: Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:10. 2. God not trusting His angels: 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6. 3. Fate of the wicked: Proverbs 10:24–25, 27; Isaiah 33:10–12. 4. Self-condemnation through speech: Matthew 12:37. 5. Misapplication of retribution: John 9:2–3 (disciples assume the blind man sinned). 6. “Drinks injustice like water”: Similar flavor to Proverbs 4:17. Practical Applications for Believers • Guard the tongue; words can wound and accuse (James 3:6). • Tradition and experience matter but must surrender to God’s revealed character. • Quick judgment about another’s suffering risks misrepresenting God (Job 42:7). • God’s holiness highlights human need for grace; no one stands clean by birthright (Romans 3:23). • A vivid description of the wicked’s end cautions against trusting in wealth, power, or deceit (1 Timothy 6:9–10). Big Picture Take-Away Eliphaz is certain he’s defending God, yet he oversimplifies God’s dealings. The speech exposes the tension between inherited wisdom and the messy reality of innocent suffering—a tension finally resolved only when God speaks and, centuries later, when Christ bears innocent suffering for all. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 1:19-20 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Matthew 7:1-2 Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Teaching Points Eliphaz's Accusation of Folly Eliphaz begins by accusing Job of speaking empty words and lacking wisdom. He questions, Should a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? (Job 15:2). Eliphaz implies that Job's words are not only unwise but also destructive. The Nature of Human Wisdom Eliphaz argues that human wisdom is limited and flawed, suggesting that Job's suffering is a result of his own sin. He states, What do you know that we do not? What do you understand that is not clear to us? (Job 15:9). This reflects a common belief that suffering is always a direct consequence of personal sin. The Consequences of Wickedness Eliphaz paints a vivid picture of the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their lives are filled with fear and turmoil. He warns, The wicked man writhes in pain all his days, only a few years are reserved for the ruthless (Job 15:20). This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living apart from God's righteousness. Practical Applications Guard Your Words Be mindful of how your words can impact others, especially those who are suffering. Strive to speak with compassion and understanding, rather than judgment. Seek God's Wisdom Recognize the limitations of human understanding and seek God's wisdom in all situations. Trust that His perspective is greater than our own. Reflect on Personal Integrity Consider how your actions and attitudes align with God's standards. Use this reflection as an opportunity for growth and repentance. People 1. Eliphaz the Temanite Eliphaz is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him during his time of suffering. In Job 15, Eliphaz speaks for the second time, responding to Job's previous discourse. He is portrayed as a wise man from Teman, a region known for its wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7). Eliphaz's speech in this chapter is characterized by a traditional and conservative viewpoint, emphasizing the belief that suffering is a result of sin and that no man can be pure before God. His arguments are rooted in the wisdom tradition, which often draws from ancient sayings and the experiences of the elders. In the original Hebrew, Eliphaz's name (אֱלִיפַז) can be understood to mean "God is fine gold" or "My God is gold," reflecting perhaps a sense of value or reverence. The Temanite (תֵּימָנִי) indicates his origin from Teman, a place associated with wisdom. In this chapter, Eliphaz challenges Job's assertions and warns him against speaking irreverently about God, urging him to return to a more traditional understanding of divine justice. Places In Job 15, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. The chapter primarily consists of a dialogue between Eliphaz the Temanite and Job, focusing on themes of wisdom, human nature, and divine justice. Since there are no places to list, a numbered list cannot be provided. If you have any other questions or need further analysis of the text, feel free to ask! Events 1. Eliphaz's Rebuke of Job's Words Eliphaz the Temanite begins his second speech by criticizing Job for his words, suggesting that they are empty and unprofitable. He accuses Job of undermining piety and restraining prayer before God. Eliphaz implies that Job's words are driven by iniquity and deceit. (Job 15:1-6) 2. Accusation of Arrogance Eliphaz accuses Job of arrogance, questioning whether Job thinks he is the first man ever born or if he has exclusive access to God's wisdom. He challenges Job's understanding and suggests that Job's attitude is presumptuous. (Job 15:7-10) 3. Call to Humility Eliphaz urges Job to listen to the wisdom of the ancients, implying that their understanding is greater than Job's. He emphasizes the importance of humility and learning from the experiences of previous generations. (Job 15:11-13) 4. The Futility of Human Purity Eliphaz questions the possibility of human purity and righteousness, asserting that even the heavens are not pure in God's sight. He implies that Job's claim to innocence is flawed, as no man can be pure before God. (Job 15:14-16) 5. Description of the Wicked Man's Fate Eliphaz describes the fate of the wicked, suggesting that they live in constant fear and distress. He paints a picture of a life filled with terror and insecurity, implying that this is the result of living in opposition to God. (Job 15:17-24) 6. Consequences of Defying God Eliphaz warns that those who defy God will face inevitable destruction. He describes the downfall of the wicked as certain and emphasizes that their wealth and achievements will ultimately be in vain. (Job 15:25-30) 7. The Inevitable Judgment Eliphaz concludes by asserting that the wicked will not escape God's judgment. He emphasizes that their reliance on falsehood and self-deception will lead to their ruin, reinforcing the idea that God's justice is inescapable. (Job 15:31-35) Throughout this chapter, Eliphaz's speech is rooted in the belief that suffering is a direct result of sin, and he urges Job to recognize his own faults and repent. The Hebrew roots of the text emphasize themes of wisdom, purity, and divine justice, which are central to Eliphaz's argument. Lessons from Job 15 1. The Perils of Empty Words In Job 15, Eliphaz warns about the dangers of speaking without wisdom. He asks, "Should a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind?" (Job 15:2). This reminds us to be mindful of our words, ensuring they are filled with truth and love. In our daily conversations, let us strive to speak words that build up and encourage, reflecting the wisdom found in Scripture. 2. The Importance of Humility Eliphaz accuses Job of arrogance, suggesting that Job's words are a sign of pride. "Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash?" (Job 15:12). This serves as a reminder to approach life with humility, recognizing that our understanding is limited compared to God's infinite wisdom. Embrace humility as a pathway to deeper faith and reliance on God. 3. The Consequences of Sin Eliphaz paints a vivid picture of the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that sin leads to destruction. "The wicked man writhes in pain all his days, only a few years are reserved for the ruthless" (Job 15:20). This is a call to examine our lives and turn away from sin, seeking forgiveness and transformation through Christ, who offers us a new beginning. 4. The Value of Godly Wisdom Eliphaz challenges Job's understanding, suggesting that true wisdom comes from God. "What do you know that we do not? What do you understand that is not clear to us?" (Job 15:9). This encourages us to seek wisdom from God, who generously gives to those who ask. Let us prioritize time in Scripture and prayer, allowing God's wisdom to guide our decisions. 5. The Reality of Human Frailty Eliphaz reminds Job of human limitations, stating, "What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous?" (Job 15:14). This highlights our need for a Savior, as we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Through Christ's sacrifice, we are made pure and righteous before God, a truth that should fill us with gratitude and hope. 6. The Futility of Self-Reliance Eliphaz criticizes Job for relying on his own understanding, warning that self-reliance leads to downfall. "He will not escape from darkness; the flame will wither his shoots" (Job 15:30). This teaches us to depend on God rather than our own strength, trusting in His provision and guidance in every aspect of our lives. 7. The Power of God's Judgment Eliphaz speaks of God's judgment on the wicked, illustrating His power and justice. "He will not be rich, and his wealth will not endure; his possessions will not spread over the land" (Job 15:29). This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate accountability we have before Him. Let us live with an eternal perspective, seeking to honor God in all we do. 8. The Need for Repentance Eliphaz implies that Job's suffering is due to unrepented sin, urging him to turn back to God. While his assumption about Job is incorrect, the principle of repentance remains vital. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Embrace repentance as a daily practice, drawing closer to God. 9. The Assurance of God's Presence Despite Eliphaz's harsh words, we are reminded that God is always with us, even in our trials. "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). In moments of suffering, take comfort in God's presence, knowing that He walks with us and offers peace that surpasses understanding. 10. The Hope of Redemption While Eliphaz's speech is filled with accusations, the overarching narrative of Job points to the hope of redemption. Through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life and restoration. "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:25). Let this hope inspire us to persevere, trusting in God's ultimate plan for our lives. Topics 1. Eliphaz's Rebuke of Job's Wisdom Eliphaz begins by questioning Job's wisdom and understanding. He accuses Job of speaking empty words and lacking reverence for God. Eliphaz implies that Job's words are not inspired by divine wisdom but are rather self-serving. ^"Should a wise man answer with empty counsel and fill his belly with the hot east wind?"^ (Job 15:2) 2. Accusation of Job's Guilt Eliphaz suggests that Job's own words condemn him, implying that Job's suffering is a result of his own sin. He challenges Job's claim of innocence and suggests that Job's own mouth testifies against him. ^"Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you."^ (Job 15:6) 3. The Inherited Wisdom of the Ancients Eliphaz appeals to the wisdom of the ancients, suggesting that their understanding of God and morality is superior to Job's. He emphasizes the importance of tradition and the collective wisdom passed down through generations. ^"Are you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?"^ (Job 15:7) 4. The Futility of Human Righteousness Eliphaz argues that no man can be pure or righteous before God, highlighting the inherent sinfulness of humanity. He underscores the idea that even the heavens are not pure in God's sight, emphasizing God's holiness and the need for humility. ^"What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous?"^ (Job 15:14) 5. The Fate of the Wicked Eliphaz describes the fate of the wicked, suggesting that their lives are filled with torment and fear. He paints a picture of inevitable judgment and destruction for those who turn away from God, reinforcing the belief in divine retribution. ^"The wicked man writhes in pain all his days, only a few years are reserved for the ruthless."^ (Job 15:20) 6. The Consequences of Rejecting God Eliphaz warns of the consequences of rejecting God, emphasizing that those who do so will face darkness and despair. He describes a life devoid of hope and security for those who defy God, reinforcing the need for faithfulness and obedience. ^"He does not believe he will return from darkness; he is destined for the sword."^ (Job 15:22) In this chapter, Eliphaz's speech reflects a traditional view of divine justice, where suffering is seen as a direct consequence of sin, and wisdom is derived from reverence for God and adherence to the teachings of the ancients. Themes 1. Human Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom Eliphaz challenges Job's understanding and wisdom, suggesting that human wisdom is limited compared to God's. He questions, "Are you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?" (Job 15:7). The Hebrew word for wisdom here, "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), emphasizes the contrast between human and divine insight. 2. The Nature of Sin and Guilt Eliphaz implies that Job's suffering is due to his own sin, stating, "Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you" (Job 15:6). The theme revolves around the inherent sinfulness of humanity, as the Hebrew term "עָוֹן" (avon) for iniquity suggests a deep moral failing. 3. The Futility of Arguing with God Eliphaz warns Job about the futility of contending with God, saying, "What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous?" (Job 15:14). This theme highlights the Hebrew concept of "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), meaning righteous, and the impossibility of achieving it through human effort alone. 4. The Consequences of Wickedness Eliphaz describes the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their lives are filled with turmoil and fear: "The wicked man writhes in pain all his days, only a few years are reserved for the ruthless" (Job 15:20). The Hebrew word "רָשָׁע" (rasha) for wicked underscores the moral and spiritual corruption leading to inevitable judgment. 5. The Transience of Human Life The brevity and uncertainty of life are underscored as Eliphaz speaks of the fleeting nature of human existence: "He will not escape from darkness; the flame will wither his shoots" (Job 15:30). The imagery of darkness and withering reflects the Hebrew understanding of life as temporary and fragile. 6. Divine Retribution Eliphaz asserts that God punishes the wicked, reinforcing the belief in divine justice: "Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his reward" (Job 15:31). The Hebrew term "שָׁוְא" (shav) for emptiness conveys the futility of relying on anything other than God's righteousness. 7. The Fear of the Lord Implicit in Eliphaz's speech is the call to fear God, as he implies that reverence and submission to God are the paths to wisdom and understanding. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "יִרְאָה" (yirah), meaning fear or awe, which is foundational to a right relationship with God. Prayer Points Pray for the wisdom to speak words that build up and encourage others, especially in times of distress. Ask God for discernment to understand His will and perspective in difficult situations. Seek God's guidance in examining your own life for areas that need repentance and alignment with His righteousness. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Job 15:7–8, how is the suggestion that humans could know divine secrets reconciled with modern scientific understanding of human origins? 2. In Job 15:14–16, how do Eliphaz’s claims about universal impurity align with Genesis 1:31, which pronounces creation “very good”? 3. In Job 15:10, why does Eliphaz appeal to the wisdom of elders without any clear historical or archaeological evidence supporting such a preserved tradition? 4. In Job 15:20–24, where is the historical or archaeological basis for the notion that the wicked perpetually face this kind of torment? 5. In Job 15:34–35, how can the harsh depiction of divine judgment be squared with other biblical passages emphasizing God’s mercy (e.g., Psalm 103:8)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Eliphaz's critique of Job's words in the beginning of the chapter reflect the conflict between human wisdom and divine wisdom? 2. What does Eliphaz's emphasis on the wisdom of the elders tell us about the importance of learning from past generations? 3. How does Eliphaz’s depiction of the fate of the wicked challenge your understanding of sin and its consequences? 4. In what ways does Eliphaz's speech reflect his understanding of Job's suffering? 5. How does this chapter challenge your personal understanding of God's justice? 6. In what ways can you apply the lessons about humility and reverence towards God in your daily life? 7. How might Eliphaz's depiction of the wicked's fate influence your choices and behaviors? 8. What does this chapter teach us about the potential dangers of pride and self-righteousness? 9. How might Eliphaz’s stern discourse shape your understanding of compassion and empathy? 10. How can this chapter help in cultivating a deeper sense of humility in our lives? 11. Eliphaz points out that Job has been speaking out of sinful human pride. How can you apply this caution in your daily conversations and interactions? 12. Given Eliphaz's conviction about the consequences of wickedness, how would you approach discussions about righteousness and sin in your community? 13. How might you handle a situation where a friend, like Job, is suffering and questioning the reasons for their circumstances? 14. How does the wisdom of the elders mentioned by Eliphaz resonate with you? How might you integrate it into your own life? 15. How can you apply Eliphaz’s admonitions about wickedness to modern societal issues like corruption or greed? 16. What lessons can be learned from Eliphaz's response to Job's suffering in terms of responding to others' pain and grief? 17. How does this chapter resonate with you in terms of balancing human understanding and divine wisdom? 18. Can you identify any contemporary situations that reflect Eliphaz's discourse on the destiny of the wicked? How might you respond differently? 19. How can this chapter inspire a self-reflection about your own attitudes and actions? 20. If you were in Job's place, how would you respond to Eliphaz's speech? Would you agree or disagree, and why? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions