151 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered, 2 “Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge,
and fill himself with the east wind? 3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk,
or with speeches with which he can do no good? 4 Yes, you do away with fear,
and hinder devotion before God. 5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth,
and you choose the language of the crafty. 6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I.
Yes, your own lips testify against you. 7 “Are you the first man who was born?
Or were you brought forth before the hills? 8 Have you heard the secret counsel of God?
Do you limit wisdom to yourself? 9 What do you know, that we don’t know?
What do you understand, which is not in us? 10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men,
much elder than your father. 11 Are the consolations of God too small for you,
even the word that is gentle toward you? 12 Why does your heart carry you away?
Why do your eyes flash, 13 That you turn your spirit against God,
and let such words go out of your mouth? 14 What is man, that he should be clean?
What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? 15 Behold, he puts no trust in his holy ones.
Yes, the heavens are not clean in his sight; 16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt,
a man who drinks iniquity like water!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 15:1-16
Commentary on Job 15:1-16
(Read Job 15:1-16)
Eliphaz begins a second attack upon Job, instead of being softened by his complaints. He unjustly charges Job with casting off the fear of God, and all regard to him, and restraining prayer. See in what religion is summed up, fearing God, and praying to him; the former the most needful principle, the latter the most needful practice. Eliphaz charges Job with self-conceit. He charges him with contempt of the counsels and comforts given him by his friends. We are apt to think that which we ourselves say is important, when others, with reason, think little of it. He charges him with opposition to God. Eliphaz ought not to have put harsh constructions upon the words of one well known for piety, and now in temptation. It is plain that these disputants were deeply convinced of the doctrine of original sin, and the total depravity of human nature. Shall we not admire the patience of God in bearing with us? and still more his love to us in the redemption of Christ Jesus his beloved Son?