so that you turn your spirit against God
This phrase highlights the internal rebellion against God, a theme prevalent throughout the Book of Job. Job's friends, particularly Eliphaz in this chapter, accuse him of harboring a spirit of defiance. In the broader biblical context, turning one's spirit against God is seen as a grave sin, akin to the rebellion of Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 14:11). Theologically, this reflects the human tendency towards pride and self-reliance, which contrasts with the biblical call for humility and submission to God's will (James 4:6-7). The phrase also echoes the fall of Lucifer, who turned his spirit against God, leading to his downfall (Isaiah 14:12-15).

and pour such words from your mouth?
The imagery of pouring words suggests an uncontrolled outflow, indicating that Job's speech is seen as reckless and irreverent by his friends. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, words held significant power and were believed to have the ability to bless or curse (Proverbs 18:21). This reflects the biblical emphasis on the tongue's power, as seen in James 3:5-10, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body that can cause great harm. The accusation here is that Job's words are not only disrespectful but also potentially blasphemous, challenging the divine order. This connects to the broader theme of theodicy in Job, where the struggle to understand suffering leads to intense dialogue and questioning of God's justice.

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. Eliphaz the Temanite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz is speaking, accusing Job of turning his spirit against God.

3. Teman
A region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, suggesting he is considered wise and knowledgeable.

4. God
The Almighty, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe, whom Job and his friends discuss throughout the book.

5. The Accusation
Eliphaz accuses Job of speaking arrogantly against God, suggesting that Job's words reflect a rebellious spirit.Guarding Our Words
Our words have power and can reflect the state of our heart. We must be cautious about how we speak, especially in times of distress.

Understanding Suffering
Suffering can lead to questioning and doubt, but it is crucial to maintain faith and not turn our spirit against God.

The Role of Friends
Friends can provide comfort or further distress. We should strive to be compassionate and understanding, rather than accusatory, when others are suffering.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your heart and spirit to ensure they align with God's will, especially when facing trials.

The Importance of Humility
Approach God with humility, recognizing our limited understanding and His infinite wisdom.1. What is the meaning of Job 15:13?

2. How does Job 15:13 challenge us to control our emotions toward God?

3. What does "vent your rage against God" reveal about human nature?

4. How can we align our hearts with God's will, avoiding Job's mistake?

5. What other scriptures warn against anger towards God?

6. How can Job 15:13 guide us in responding to life's challenges?

7. Why does Job 15:13 suggest humans challenge God with their emotions and words?

8. How does Job 15:13 reflect on human pride and its consequences?

9. What does Job 15:13 reveal about the nature of human rebellion against God?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 15?

11. Why did God send an evil spirit to Saul?

12. What does the Bible say about interpreting dreams?

13. In Job 17:1, how can Job claim his spirit is broken if he continues to speak and survive throughout the rest of the narrative?

14. Will you remain faithful until death?Context

Job 15 records Eliphaz’s second reply to Job. He hears Job’s earlier speeches (Job 9; Job 12–14) and concludes that Job’s tone has shifted from humble lament to combative protest. Eliphaz therefore asks, “Why has your heart carried you away… as you turn your spirit against God and pour such words from your mouth?” (Job 15:12-13). The verse we are studying is his heartfelt concern that Job’s suffering is now pushing him toward rebellion rather than trust. Similar concerns appear when God asks Israel, “How long will this people treat Me with contempt?” (Numbers 14:11) and when the psalmist warns against hardening the heart in trouble (Psalm 95:8-9).

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You turn your spirit against God

• Eliphaz sees an inward pivot—Job’s “spirit” (his attitude, will, and inner disposition) is tilting away from reverence toward resistance.

• The language echoes Isaiah 63:10: “They rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit,” showing that resistance begins internally before it surfaces externally.

• Acts 7:51 likewise warns, “You always resist the Holy Spirit,” tying inner rebellion to spiritual deafness.

• For Job, repeated statements like “He destroys the blameless and the wicked” (Job 9:22) now sound accusatory. Eliphaz interprets these as Job’s heart drifting from submission to disputation.

• Scripture consistently teaches that trials test the heart (Deuteronomy 8:2). A spirit turned against God forfeits the comfort God offers (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

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Pour such words from your mouth

• What begins in the heart spills out through speech (Luke 6:45). Eliphaz believes Job’s recent words have crossed a line from honest lament into blame: “You crush me with words” (Job 19:2).

• Proverbs 10:19 cautions, “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Job’s abundance of unfiltered complaints sounds, to Eliphaz, like irreverence.

• Matthew 12:36 warns that “men will give an account…for every careless word,” underscoring the gravity of speech in God’s sight.

• James 3:5-6 describes the tongue as small yet able to “set the whole course of one’s life on fire,” highlighting why Eliphaz is alarmed.

• While Job later receives divine correction (Job 38–40), God also vindicates his integrity (Job 42:7-8). The narrative balances the necessity of honest lament with the caution against accusing the Almighty.

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summary

Job 15:13 confronts the danger of allowing suffering to sour the spirit and loosen the tongue against God. Eliphaz fears that Job’s inward rebellion (“turn your spirit against God”) is now audible in reckless accusations (“pour such words from your mouth”). Scripture affirms that trials test our hearts and reveal themselves through speech; therefore believers must guard both attitude and words, remaining reverent even while lamenting, trusting that God remains just, compassionate, and worthy of honor.

Verse 13 - That thou turnest thy spirit against God. To Eliphaz and his companions, the wild remonstrances of Job, his vehement expostulations and despairing outcries, are, one and all, nothing better than indications of a proud and rebellious spirit, that sets itself up against the Almighty, and openly contends with him. They view Job, after the speeches that he has made, as a declared rebel, and no longer regard it as incumbent upon them to use any "gentleness" in their reprimands. And lettest such words go out of thy mouth? It is remarkable that neither Eliphaz nor either of his friends ever points out what particular words of Job they object to and regard as impious, so as to give him the opportunity of defending, explaining, or retracting them. They take refuge in vague generalities, with which it is impossible to grapple. But this vagueness and want of logical accuracy is characteristic of the Oriental nations, who scarcely ever reason cogently or bring matters to a point.

Parallel Commentaries ...


as
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you turn
תָשִׁ֣יב (ṯā·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

your spirit
רוּחֶ֑ךָ (rū·ḥe·ḵā)
Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

against
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

God
אֵ֣ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

and pour such words
מִלִּֽין׃ (mil·lîn)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4405: A word, a discourse, a topic

out of
וְהֹצֵ֖אתָ (wə·hō·ṣê·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

your mouth?
מִפִּ֣יךָ (mip·pî·ḵā)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to


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OT Poetry: Job 15:13 That you turn your spirit against God (Jb)