What does Job 15:35 teach about the nature of sin and its outcomes?

Setting the Scene

Eliphaz is addressing Job, insisting that wickedness never goes unnoticed by God. In Job 15:35 he sums up sin’s process and product.

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What the Verse Says

“They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb prepares deceit.” (Job 15:35)

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Nature of Sin Exposed

• Internal origin—“conceive” points to sin beginning in the heart (cf. Matthew 15:19).

• Incremental development—like pregnancy, sin grows over time (cf. James 1:14-15).

• Intentional deception—“their womb prepares deceit,” showing calculated planning.

• Spiritual infertility—what is produced is “trouble” and “evil,” never righteousness.

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Outcome of Sin Illustrated

• Tangible damage—evil actions harm relationships, communities, and the sinner himself (Proverbs 11:19).

• Ongoing deceit—lying becomes habitual, leading to deeper bondage (Psalm 52:2-4).

• Self-destruction—sin’s offspring ultimately turn on the parent (Psalm 7:15-16).

• Divine judgment—God cannot overlook wicked “offspring” (Romans 6:23).

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Consistent Biblical Pattern

1. Conceived desire → sin (James 1:14-15)

2. Sin matured → death (Romans 6:21-23)

3. What is sown → reaped (Galatians 6:7-8)

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Living It Out Today

• Guard the heart; uproot sinful thoughts before they gestate (Proverbs 4:23).

• Rely on the Holy Spirit for new desires that birth righteousness (Galatians 5:16-25).

• Walk in truth to break the cycle of deceit (Ephesians 4:25).