What is the meaning of Job 27:4? my lips will not speak wickedness • Job is taking an oath before his friends that, no matter what pain or accusations assault him, he will not allow evil to pass his lips. • His resolve mirrors Psalm 17:3: “I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress,” and Proverbs 4:24 “Put away deceitful speech from your mouth.” • By pledging to keep his words pure, Job acknowledges that speech is a direct reflection of the heart (Matthew 12:34). • In a culture that measured a man’s honor by his words, this declaration serves as a public testimony of righteousness rather than self-justification. • For believers today, the verse reminds us that every conversation—online or face-to-face—must align with Ephesians 4:29, which urges us to let “no unwholesome talk” proceed from our mouths. and my tongue will not utter deceit • Job moves from general “wickedness” to specific “deceit,” emphasizing total honesty amid suffering. • Psalm 34:13 instructs, “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech,” almost echoing Job word for word. • Proverbs 12:22 states, “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight,” revealing why Job refuses falsehood—even if deceit might have silenced his critics. • James 5:12 tells believers, “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no, so that you will not fall under judgment,” underscoring the serious, covenant-level weight of truthful words. • Job’s stance foreshadows Christ, “who committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). summary Job 27:4 captures a man suffering yet steadfast, vowing that neither wicked words nor deceitful speech will cross his lips. His commitment under fire models integrity for every believer: guard your tongue, reject all forms of evil talk, and choose unwavering truthfulness, trusting that God upholds those who speak in righteousness. |
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