Job 15:5, "For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty," is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job. It's a harsh accusation, essentially claiming that Job's wickedness is the root of his arguments and that he's using deceitful language. Let's break it down:
"For your iniquity teaches your mouth...": This means that Eliphaz believes Job's sinful nature is the driving force behind what he's saying. He's not attributing Job's words to honest confusion or suffering, but to a deeper moral failing. Eliphaz is suggesting that Job's inner wickedness instructs him on what to say, making his arguments inherently flawed.
"...and you choose the language of the crafty.": This builds on the first part. Eliphaz accuses Job of deliberately using cunning and deceptive language. He's not just mistaken; he's intentionally trying to mislead. "Crafty" implies cunning, trickery, and a desire to manipulate others.
In Essence:
Eliphaz is saying that Job isn't arguing honestly. Instead, he believes Job's own sinfulness is guiding his words, causing him to use deceitful and manipulative language. Eliphaz essentially accuses Job of being a liar and manipulator because of his inherent wickedness.
Context and Significance:
Theological Argument: This verse reflects the common (and ultimately flawed, as the book of Job demonstrates) theology of Job's friends: that suffering is a direct consequence of sin. Eliphaz assumes that Job's immense suffering proves his profound wickedness, leading to these accusations.
Condemnation, Not Comfort: Instead of offering comfort or understanding, Eliphaz attacks Job's character. This illustrates the disconnect between Job's experience and the rigid, judgmental theology of his friends.
Rhetorical Device: Eliphaz's language is highly accusatory and intended to shame Job into admitting wrongdoing. It's a form of verbal attack, meant to break Job down emotionally.
In short, Job 15:5 is a harsh accusation leveled by Eliphaz against Job, claiming that Job's words are not a reflection of honest struggle, but rather the product of his own wickedness and a deliberate choice to use manipulative and deceptive language.
Job 15:5, "For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty," is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job. It's a harsh accusation, essentially claiming that Job's wickedness is the root of his arguments and that he's using deceitful language. Let's break it down:
"For your iniquity teaches your mouth...": This means that Eliphaz believes Job's sinful nature is the driving force behind what he's saying. He's not attributing Job's words to honest confusion or suffering, but to a deeper moral failing. Eliphaz is suggesting that Job's inner wickedness instructs him on what to say, making his arguments inherently flawed.
"...and you choose the language of the crafty.": This builds on the first part. Eliphaz accuses Job of deliberately using cunning and deceptive language. He's not just mistaken; he's intentionally trying to mislead. "Crafty" implies cunning, trickery, and a desire to manipulate others.
In Essence:
Eliphaz is saying that Job isn't arguing honestly. Instead, he believes Job's own sinfulness is guiding his words, causing him to use deceitful and manipulative language. Eliphaz essentially accuses Job of being a liar and manipulator because of his inherent wickedness.
Context and Significance:
Theological Argument: This verse reflects the common (and ultimately flawed, as the book of Job demonstrates) theology of Job's friends: that suffering is a direct consequence of sin. Eliphaz assumes that Job's immense suffering proves his profound wickedness, leading to these accusations.
Condemnation, Not Comfort: Instead of offering comfort or understanding, Eliphaz attacks Job's character. This illustrates the disconnect between Job's experience and the rigid, judgmental theology of his friends.
Rhetorical Device: Eliphaz's language is highly accusatory and intended to shame Job into admitting wrongdoing. It's a form of verbal attack, meant to break Job down emotionally.
In short, Job 15:5 is a harsh accusation leveled by Eliphaz against Job, claiming that Job's words are not a reflection of honest struggle, but rather the product of his own wickedness and a deliberate choice to use manipulative and deceptive language.