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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

Eliphaz

15 Then Eliphaz the Temanite(A) replied:

“Would a wise person answer with empty notions
    or fill their belly with the hot east wind?(B)
Would they argue with useless words,
    with speeches that have no value?(C)
But you even undermine piety
    and hinder devotion to God.(D)
Your sin(E) prompts your mouth;(F)
    you adopt the tongue of the crafty.(G)
Your own mouth condemns you, not mine;
    your own lips testify against you.(H)

“Are you the first man ever born?(I)
    Were you brought forth before the hills?(J)
Do you listen in on God’s council?(K)
    Do you have a monopoly on wisdom?(L)
What do you know that we do not know?
    What insights do you have that we do not have?(M)
10 The gray-haired and the aged(N) are on our side,
    men even older than your father.(O)
11 Are God’s consolations(P) not enough for you,
    words(Q) spoken gently to you?(R)
12 Why has your heart(S) carried you away,
    and why do your eyes flash,
13 so that you vent your rage(T) against God
    and pour out such words(U) from your mouth?(V)

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