What is the meaning of Job 15:3? Should he argue? Eliphaz frames his challenge as a rhetorical question: “Should he argue…?” (Job 15:3). The point is simple: incessant arguing reveals more about the speaker’s heart than about the facts. • Scripture repeatedly warns that constant disputing is a mark of pride rather than faith (Proverbs 13:10; 2 Timothy 2:23). • Earlier, Job himself asked for instruction instead of accusation (Job 6:24), showing that argument divorced from humility is futile. • God later confronts Job with His own questions (Job 38 – 41), demonstrating that argument with the Almighty must give way to surrender (Romans 9:20). With useless words Eliphaz labels Job’s speeches “useless,” implying they add nothing constructive. • Proverbs 10:19 teaches, “When words are many, transgression is unavoidable,” a warning against speaking past the point of edification. • Jesus cautions that “for every careless word people speak, they will give an account” (Matthew 12:36), underscoring the seriousness of verbal excess. • Colossians 4:6 exhorts believers to season speech with grace, showing that words should build up, not merely fill space. Or speeches that serve no purpose? The phrase highlights talk that lacks benefit, direction, or righteousness. • Paul urges Timothy to “avoid worthless, foolish talk” because it “leads people into more and more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:16). • Titus is told to “avoid foolish controversies…for they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9). • Even Job later admits, “I spoke of things I did not understand” (Job 42:3), illustrating how purposeless words can cloud rather than clarify. summary Job 15:3 warns against argumentative, empty speech. Eliphaz’s charge may misapply to Job’s honest lament, yet the principle stands: words matter. God calls His people to speak with truth, humility, and purpose—never with verbosity that obscures faith or hinders repentance. |
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