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Eliphaz Answers Job

15 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:

“·A wise person would not [L Should a wise person…?] answer with ·empty [L windy] words
    or fill his stomach with the hot east wind.
·He would not [L Should he…?] ·argue [reprimand; reprove] with useless words
    or make speeches that have no value.
But you even ·destroy [invalidate] ·respect for God [L fear]
    and limit the worship of him.
Your ·sin [iniquity] teaches your mouth what to say;
    you ·use words to trick others [L choose the tongue of the crafty].
It is your own mouth, not mine, that ·shows you are wicked [condemns];
    your own lips testify against you.

“·You are not [L Are you…?] the first man ever born [C perhaps a reference to Adam; Ezek. 28:12–13];
    ·you are not [L are you…?] older than the hills [C either a reference to the wisdom of the elders or to wisdom personified as a woman; Prov. 8:22–25].
·You did not [L Did you…?] listen in on God’s secret council [C like a prophet].
    But you limit wisdom to yourself.
·You don’t [L Do you…?] know any more than we know.
    ·You don’t [L Do you…?] understand any more than we understand.
10 Old people with gray hair are on our side;
    they are even older than your father.
11 Is the ·comfort [consolation] God gives you not enough for you,
    even when words are spoken gently to you?
12 Has your heart ·carried you away from God [L taken you away; C perhaps suggesting that Job has lost control of his emotions]?
    Why do your eyes ·flash with anger [or wink]?
13 Why do you ·speak out your anger [L turn your spirit] against God?
    Why do these words pour out of your mouth?

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