Job 15:6, "Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you," is spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job's friends who is trying to understand and explain Job's suffering. In this context, it means:
"Your own mouth condemns you, and not I": Eliphaz is saying that Job's words and complaints are what's revealing his guilt, not Eliphaz's accusations. Job, in his anguish, has been questioning God's justice and even implying that he doesn't deserve his suffering. Eliphaz sees this as Job inadvertently admitting to some hidden sin or wrongdoing that warrants punishment. He is emphasizing that Job is essentially judging himself.
"Yes, your own lips testify against you": This reinforces the first part. It means that Job's very words and the way he's expressing his pain are serving as evidence against him. Eliphaz believes that Job's strong protests and questioning of God's actions are a sign of a rebellious or sinful heart. The implication is that someone truly righteous wouldn't speak the way Job has been speaking.
In essence, Eliphaz is accusing Job of self-condemnation. He thinks Job's words are more damning than anything Eliphaz or others could say against him.
It's important to remember that Eliphaz's interpretation of Job's situation is later revealed to be incorrect. The book of Job ultimately shows that Job's suffering is not due to any specific sin he committed, and that his questioning of God is not necessarily a sign of wickedness. Eliphaz and the other friends offer explanations rooted in traditional wisdom (that suffering equals sin), but the narrative challenges this simplistic view.
Job 15:6, "Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you," is spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job's friends who is trying to understand and explain Job's suffering. In this context, it means:
"Your own mouth condemns you, and not I": Eliphaz is saying that Job's words and complaints are what's revealing his guilt, not Eliphaz's accusations. Job, in his anguish, has been questioning God's justice and even implying that he doesn't deserve his suffering. Eliphaz sees this as Job inadvertently admitting to some hidden sin or wrongdoing that warrants punishment. He is emphasizing that Job is essentially judging himself.
"Yes, your own lips testify against you": This reinforces the first part. It means that Job's very words and the way he's expressing his pain are serving as evidence against him. Eliphaz believes that Job's strong protests and questioning of God's actions are a sign of a rebellious or sinful heart. The implication is that someone truly righteous wouldn't speak the way Job has been speaking.
In essence, Eliphaz is accusing Job of self-condemnation. He thinks Job's words are more damning than anything Eliphaz or others could say against him.
It's important to remember that Eliphaz's interpretation of Job's situation is later revealed to be incorrect. The book of Job ultimately shows that Job's suffering is not due to any specific sin he committed, and that his questioning of God is not necessarily a sign of wickedness. Eliphaz and the other friends offer explanations rooted in traditional wisdom (that suffering equals sin), but the narrative challenges this simplistic view.