Job 15:35, "They conceive mischief, and produce iniquity. Their heart prepares deceit," is a strong condemnation of the wicked. Let's break it down:
"They conceive mischief...": This paints a picture of wickedness being planted and nurtured in their minds. It's not accidental or impulsive; it's carefully considered. "Conceive" suggests a deliberate and thoughtful process, similar to pregnancy - the idea is held within and grows. "Mischief" refers to harmful or troublesome behavior or intent.
"...and produce iniquity.": This is the outcome of the wickedness conceived. "Iniquity" is a strong word for sin or wickedness; it implies a moral wrong or injustice. So, their mental planning of harmful acts results in tangible, sinful actions. "Produce" indicates that the original thought has now manifested as a deed.
"Their heart prepares deceit.": This highlights the underlying motivation for their actions. "Heart" (in biblical context) often represents the seat of one's thoughts, emotions, and intentions. "Prepares deceit" means they actively plan and organize deceptive schemes. This emphasizes the deliberate nature of their wickedness; they aren't simply acting out of anger or impulse, but are plotting to trick and mislead others.
Overall Meaning:
The verse describes a process: A wicked thought is formed, it grows, it leads to sinful actions, and it's all fueled by a deceitful and manipulative heart. This implies the wicked are not just wrongdoers, but they are actively and intentionally engaging in evil.
Context within Job:
This verse is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job. Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, is trying to convince Job that his suffering is a result of his own sin. This verse is likely intended to characterize the way Eliphaz sees evildoers, implying that Job must be one of them if he's suffering so much. It's a typical argument used by the "friends" to reinforce their belief in a simple cause-and-effect relationship between sin and suffering.
In summary, the verse is a condemnation of those who not only commit evil acts but actively plan and nurture their wickedness with a deceitful heart, leading to harmful consequences.
Job 15:35, "They conceive mischief, and produce iniquity. Their heart prepares deceit," is a strong condemnation of the wicked. Let's break it down:
"They conceive mischief...": This paints a picture of wickedness being planted and nurtured in their minds. It's not accidental or impulsive; it's carefully considered. "Conceive" suggests a deliberate and thoughtful process, similar to pregnancy - the idea is held within and grows. "Mischief" refers to harmful or troublesome behavior or intent.
"...and produce iniquity.": This is the outcome of the wickedness conceived. "Iniquity" is a strong word for sin or wickedness; it implies a moral wrong or injustice. So, their mental planning of harmful acts results in tangible, sinful actions. "Produce" indicates that the original thought has now manifested as a deed.
"Their heart prepares deceit.": This highlights the underlying motivation for their actions. "Heart" (in biblical context) often represents the seat of one's thoughts, emotions, and intentions. "Prepares deceit" means they actively plan and organize deceptive schemes. This emphasizes the deliberate nature of their wickedness; they aren't simply acting out of anger or impulse, but are plotting to trick and mislead others.
Overall Meaning:
The verse describes a process: A wicked thought is formed, it grows, it leads to sinful actions, and it's all fueled by a deceitful and manipulative heart. This implies the wicked are not just wrongdoers, but they are actively and intentionally engaging in evil.
Context within Job:
This verse is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job. Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, is trying to convince Job that his suffering is a result of his own sin. This verse is likely intended to characterize the way Eliphaz sees evildoers, implying that Job must be one of them if he's suffering so much. It's a typical argument used by the "friends" to reinforce their belief in a simple cause-and-effect relationship between sin and suffering.
In summary, the verse is a condemnation of those who not only commit evil acts but actively plan and nurture their wickedness with a deceitful heart, leading to harmful consequences.