Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you;
This phrase is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job, where he accuses Job of self-incrimination. In the context of the Book of Job, Eliphaz is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him but end up arguing with him about the reasons for his suffering. Eliphaz suggests that Job's own words reveal his guilt. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief that suffering was a direct result of personal sin. Theologically, this phrase underscores the biblical principle that words have power and can reveal the heart's condition, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." It also echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 12:37, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

your own lips testify against you.
Eliphaz implies that Job's complaints and assertions of innocence are evidence of his wrongdoing. This reflects the cultural and legal practices of the time, where verbal testimony was crucial in determining guilt or innocence. In the broader biblical narrative, this idea is paralleled in James 3:6, where the tongue is described as a fire that can corrupt the whole body. Theologically, this phrase can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment, where every word will be accounted for, as mentioned in Romans 14:12, "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." This also points to the importance of integrity and truthfulness, qualities embodied perfectly in Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

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, offering his perspective on Job's suffering and implying that Job's own words reveal his guilt.

3. Teman
A region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, suggesting he is a man of wisdom and understanding.

4. The Dialogue
The Book of Job is structured as a series of dialogues between Job and his friends, exploring themes of suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty.

5. The Accusation
Eliphaz accuses Job of self-condemnation through his own words, suggesting that Job's complaints and assertions reveal his unrighteousness.The Power of Words
Our words have the power to reveal our hearts and can either justify or condemn us. We must be mindful of what we say, as it reflects our inner character and beliefs.

Self-Reflection and Humility
Eliphaz's accusation, though harsh, invites us to examine our own speech and attitudes. Are we quick to justify ourselves, or do we humbly seek God's perspective on our situation?

The Importance of Wise Counsel
While Eliphaz's counsel is flawed, it reminds us of the value of seeking wise and godly counsel in times of distress. We should discern the advice we receive and weigh it against Scripture.

Guarding Our Speech
As believers, we are called to speak truth in love and to use our words to build up rather than tear down. This requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Trusting God's Justice
Job's account ultimately points us to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, even when we do not understand our circumstances. Our words should reflect faith in His ultimate goodness and wisdom.Top 10 Lessons from Job 15

When is it time to be silent or speak?

Do they honor me with lips, not hearts?

Job 40:1-5: What historical or archaeological evidence supports such a direct, extended conversation between God and a single individual like Job?

How can Bildad's claim that God never rejects the blameless (Job 8:20-22) be reconciled with instances of innocent suffering in Scripture?Verse 6. - Thine own mouth condemneth thee. So of a greater than Job it was said, "He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death" (Matthew 26:65, 66). Malevolence delights in misunderstanding and misinterpreting the utterances of the righteous. And not I. A weak disclaimer! As if Job's supposed guilt did not depend on the construction put upon his words. Yea, thine own lips testify against thee. Therefore, "what further need of witnesses?"

Parallel Commentaries ...


Your own mouth
פִ֣יךָ (p̄î·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

condemns you,
יַרְשִֽׁיעֲךָ֣ (yar·šî·‘ă·ḵā)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7561: To be, wrong, to disturb, violate

not
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

mine;
אָ֑נִי (’ā·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

your own lips
וּ֝שְׂפָתֶ֗יךָ (ū·śə·p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

testify against you.
יַעֲנוּ־ (ya·‘ă·nū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


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OT Poetry: Job 15:6 Your own mouth condemns you and not (Jb)