How does Job 15:1 connect with Proverbs on wise counsel and speech? Setting the scene: Job 15:1 “Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:” (Job 15:1) • The verse opens Eliphaz’s second speech, positioning him as a would-be counselor to Job. • His immediate response tests what Proverbs teaches about the timing, tone, and truthfulness of counsel. The flavor of Eliphaz’s counsel (Job 15:2-35 in brief) • Accuses Job of “empty counsel” and “hot east wind” (vv.2-3). • Claims Job undermines fear of God (v.4). • Asserts only the wicked suffer as Job does (vv.14-16, 20-24). • Blends true statements about God with false assumptions about Job, illustrating how counsel can be orthodox yet misapplied. What Proverbs says about wise speech and counsel Wise speech: • Proverbs 15:28 — “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer.” • Proverbs 18:13 — “He who answers before he listens—it is folly and shame.” • Proverbs 12:18 — “The tongue of the wise brings healing.” • Proverbs 10:19 — “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” • Proverbs 15:2 — “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge.” Foolish speech: • Proverbs 15:14 — “The mouth of fools feeds on folly.” • Proverbs 18:2 — “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.” • Proverbs 29:20 — “Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Connecting Job 15:1 with Proverbs • Listening before speaking: Eliphaz “replied” quickly; Proverbs 18:13 calls that folly. • Thoughtful response vs. impulse: Proverbs 15:28 praises deliberation, absent in Eliphaz’s rapid answer. • Healing words vs. hurtful words: Proverbs 12:18 values speech that heals; Eliphaz’s words intensify Job’s pain. • Humility vs. presumption: Proverbs 3:7 warns against being “wise in your own eyes”; Eliphaz presumes insight into God’s purposes. • Restraint vs. verbosity: Proverbs 10:19 cautions about many words; Job 15 shows a lengthy monologue overflowing with accusation. Practical takeaways • Counsel must be grounded in listening; truth misapplied becomes torment. • Measure every word against the Proverbs grid: Is it thoughtful, humble, healing, and God-fearing? • Silence or few words can be wiser than a quick, confident reply. • When comforting sufferers, aim for compassion and restraint, lest we repeat Eliphaz’s error. |
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