Job 15:18 - (which wise men have told by their fathers, and have not hidden it;

Generated Verse: Job 15:18

What does "Job 15:18" mean?


This verse from Job 15:18 is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job. He's trying to convince Job that his suffering is a result of his own sin. The verse, along with the surrounding context, emphasizes the importance of tradition and received wisdom. Let's break it down:

"which wise men have told by their fathers...": This highlights the idea of a continuous, unbroken line of wisdom passed down through generations. The wisdom being referred to isn't just any knowledge, but likely the kind of understanding that relates to God's justice and how the world works. The implication is that it's proven and reliable because it has stood the test of time.

"...and have not hidden it;": This adds to the credibility of the wisdom. The wise men have openly shared this knowledge, suggesting it is for the benefit of all and that they are not secretive or deceitful with their wisdom. This open sharing further implies that it's truth that can withstand scrutiny.

Overall Meaning:

Eliphaz is emphasizing that the wisdom he is about to share with Job is not new or innovative, but rather an ancient truth that has been passed down for generations. By appealing to tradition, he's attempting to lend greater weight to his argument that the wicked are punished and the righteous prosper. He's setting up the following verses as a summary of this inherited understanding.

In the context of Job:

This verse reflects the common ancient Near Eastern belief that wisdom comes from age and tradition. Eliphaz, as one of Job's older friends, is presenting himself as a source of this traditional wisdom. However, the book of Job ultimately challenges this very notion, suggesting that traditional wisdom is not always sufficient to explain the complexities of suffering and God's ways. Eliphaz's arguments, rooted in this traditional wisdom, are ultimately found to be flawed and inadequate.

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