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Eliphaz Speaks: Job Undermines Religion

15 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:

“Should the wise answer with windy knowledge
    and fill themselves with the east wind?(A)
Should they argue in unprofitable talk
    or in words that can do no good?
But you are doing away with the fear of God
    and hindering meditation before God.
For your iniquity teaches your mouth,
    and you choose the tongue of the crafty.(B)
Your own mouth condemns you, not I;
    your own lips testify against you.(C)

“Are you the firstborn of the human race?
    Were you brought forth before the hills?(D)
Have you listened in the council of God?
    And do you limit wisdom to yourself?(E)
What do you know that we do not know?
    What do you understand that is not clear to us?(F)
10 The gray-haired and the aged are on our side,
    those older than your father.(G)
11 Are the consolations of God too small for you
    or the word that deals gently with you?(H)
12 Why does your heart carry you away,
    and why do your eyes flash,[a]
13 so that you turn your spirit against God,
    and let such words go out of your mouth?(I)

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Footnotes

  1. 15.12 Meaning of Heb uncertain

Round Two: Eliphaz’s Speech

15 Eliphaz the Temanite responded:

Does a wise man answer with windy bluster?
Does he fill his belly with the hot east wind?
Does he support his arguments with useless talk,
with words that provide no benefit?

But you even tear down reverence.
You hinder thoughtful reflection in the presence of God.
Your guilt instructs your mouth.
You choose deceptive language.
Your own mouth condemns you, not mine.
Your own lips testify against you.
Were you the first man to be born?
Were you brought forth before the hills?
Do you listen in on the council meetings of God?
Do you lay claim to all wisdom for yourself?
What do you know that we do not know as well?
What do you understand that we do not?
10 The gray-haired and the aged are on our side,
men older than your father.
11 Are the consolations of God too small for you?
Do you think nothing of the gentle words spoken to you?
12 Why does your heart carry you away?
Why do your eyes flash with such anger?
13 Why do you turn your spirit against God?
Why do you allow such words to pour out of your mouth?

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