Job’s Suffering and the Wisdom of God: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Job 15

Executive Summary

Job 15 presents Eliphaz’s second, even harsher, discourse against Job. He accuses Job of vainglory, ungodliness, and challenging divine wisdom. Eliphaz paints a bleak picture of the wicked, highlighting their anxiety, isolation, and inevitable doom. This chapter forces us to consider the limitations of human wisdom when confronting immense suffering. Eliphaz’s arguments, though presented as righteous indignation, ultimately reveal a rigid and ultimately unhelpful approach to understanding God’s mysterious ways. Through a Coptic Orthodox lens, we’ll explore how Eliphaz’s flawed perspective contrasts with the profound depths of repentance, humility, and the unwavering hope found in Christ, even amidst the darkest trials. The chapter serves as a crucial reminder to approach suffering with compassion, understanding, and a reliance on God’s unfathomable grace, rather than judgment.

Job’s unwavering faith is tested again in Job 15. Eliphaz, convinced of Job’s guilt, unleashes a barrage of accusations, highlighting the perceived wickedness inherent in his suffering. This discourse reveals the dangerous pitfalls of legalistic thinking and the inadequacy of simplistic cause-and-effect explanations for life’s most profound mysteries. We will explore the chapter verse by verse, drawing from the rich well of Coptic Orthodox tradition to illuminate the timeless lessons found within.

Commentary

Verse 1-3

Job 15:1-3 (KJV): Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said, Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God.

Job 15:1-3 (NKJV): Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: “Should a wise man answer with empty knowledge, And fill himself with the east wind? Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or words with which he can do no good? Yes, you cast off fear, And restrain prayer before God.”

Eliphaz begins with biting sarcasm. He accuses Job of spouting “vain knowledge” and filling himself with the “east wind” – a metaphor for empty, destructive talk. He implies that Job’s words are not only useless but actively harmful, severing his connection with God. The “east wind,” *ruach qadim* (רוּחַ קָדִים) in Hebrew, often symbolized destruction and judgment (Genesis 41:6; Exodus 10:13). Eliphaz sees Job’s lament as a rejection of reverence and a cessation of prayer.

Spiritual Application: How often do we, like Eliphaz, judge others’ words based on our own limited understanding? This passage challenges us to examine our own motives for speaking. Are we building up or tearing down? Are our words filled with the life-giving spirit of Christ or the empty bluster of ego?

Verse 4-6

Job 15:4-6 (KJV): Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God. For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty. Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee.

Job 15:4-6 (NKJV): For your iniquity teaches your mouth, And you choose the tongue of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; Yes, your own lips testify against you.”

Eliphaz escalates his attack, asserting that Job’s “iniquity teaches his mouth.” He claims Job deliberately uses cunning language, essentially accusing him of hypocrisy. Eliphaz believes Job’s suffering is a direct consequence of his hidden sin. He insists that Job’s own words, not Eliphaz’s judgment, are the source of his condemnation. This exemplifies a rigid, legalistic view of divine justice common in that time.

Patristic Insight: St. Isaac the Syrian writes, “Do not be quick to judge, for judgment belongs to God.” (Ὅταν κρίνῃς, μὴ ταχὺς ἴσθι, ἡ γὰρ κρίσις τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν.) (Isaac the Syrian, *Ascetical Homilies*, Homily 57). Eliphaz disregards this profound truth, positioning himself as the judge and Job as the condemned.

Spiritual Application: We must be wary of using scripture to condemn others. True Christian love demands empathy and understanding, not self-righteous judgment. Instead of searching for guilt, we should offer compassion and prayer.

Verse 7-13

Job 15:7-13 (KJV): Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills? Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself? What knowest thou, that we know not? what understandest thou, which is not in us? With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father. Are the consolations of God small with thee? is there any secret thing with thee? Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at, That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth?

Job 15:7-13 (NKJV): “Are you the first man who was born? Or were you made before the hills? Have you heard the counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself? What do you know that we do not know? What do you understand that is not in us? Both the gray-haired and the aged are among us, Much older than your father. Are the consolations of God too small for you? Or what secret thing do you have? Why does your heart carry you away? And what do your eyes wink at, That you turn your spirit against God, And let such words go out of your mouth?”

Eliphaz, now exasperated, questions Job’s perceived arrogance. He asks if Job believes he possesses unique insight into God’s mysteries, suggesting Job thinks he’s wiser than his elders. He emphasizes the collective wisdom of the older generation, implying Job’s suffering is a result of his refusal to heed their counsel. The phrase “consolations of God” refers to the traditional understanding of divine justice and reward, which Eliphaz believes should be sufficient for Job. He accuses Job of actively rebelling against God through his lament.

Context: The “gray-haired and aged men” held immense authority in ancient Near Eastern societies. Their experience was seen as a source of wisdom and stability. Eliphaz leverages this societal value to undermine Job’s credibility.

Spiritual Application: While respecting elders is important, we must remember that true wisdom comes from God, not solely from age or experience. We should be open to learning from others, but ultimately, our faith must be grounded in God’s Word and the teachings of the Church.

Verse 14-16

Job 15:14-16 (KJV): What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?

Job 15:14-16 (NKJV): “What is man, that he could be pure? And he who is born of a woman, that he could be righteous? If God puts no trust in His holy ones, And the heavens are not pure in His sight, How much less man, who drinks iniquity like water!”

Here, Eliphaz offers a theological argument about the inherent sinfulness of humanity. He declares that no one born of woman can be truly righteous. He even suggests that God doesn’t trust His “saints” (or “holy ones”). This radical statement is meant to highlight the vast chasm between God’s holiness and human depravity. He concludes that man, who “drinks iniquity like water,” is inherently abominable.

Theological Connection: This passage, though spoken by Eliphaz and therefore potentially flawed in its application, echoes the Christian doctrine of original sin. We are all born into a state of fallenness, separated from God. Only through the grace of God, through Jesus Christ, can we be cleansed and made righteous. St. Athanasius states, “God became man so that man might become God” (Θεὸς ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν) (Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 54.3).

Spiritual Application: Recognizing our inherent sinfulness is not meant to lead to despair, but to humility and dependence on God’s grace. We must constantly strive to turn away from sin and embrace the purifying power of Christ.

Verse 17-35

Job 15:17-35 (KJV): I will shew thee, hear me; and that which I have seen I will declare; Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid it: Unto whom alone the earth was given, and no stranger passed among them. The wicked travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor. A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him. He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword. He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand. Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle. For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty. He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers: Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks. And he dwelleth in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps. He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth. He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and he shall depart with the breath of his mouth. Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence. It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be green. He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive. For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

Job 15:17-35 (NKJV): “I will show you, hear me, That which I have seen I will declare, What wise men have told, not hiding anything received from their fathers, To whom alone the land was given, And no alien passed among them: The wicked man writhes with pain all his days, And the number of years is hidden from the oppressor. Dreadful sounds are in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer comes upon him. He does not believe that he will return from darkness, And he is destined for the sword. He wanders about for bread, saying, ‘Where is it?’ He knows that a day of darkness is ready at his hand. Trouble and anguish terrify him; They overpower him, like a king ready for battle. For he stretches out his hand against God, And defies the Almighty. He runs defiantly against Him, With his strong, embossed shield. Because he has covered his face with his fatness, And made his waist heavy with fat, He dwells in desolate cities, In houses which no one inhabits, Which are destined to become heaps of ruins. He will not be rich, Nor will his wealth endure; He will not maintain his position on the earth. He will not depart from darkness; The flame will dry out his branches, And he will depart by the breath of His mouth. Let him who is deceived not trust in futility, For futility will be his reward. It will be accomplished before his time, And his palm branch will not be green. He will shake off his unripe grape like a vine, And cast off his blossom like an olive tree. For the company of hypocrites is barren, And fire consumes the tents of bribery. They conceive trouble and bring forth futility; Their womb prepares deceit.”

Eliphaz transitions into a vivid description of the fate of the wicked. He paints a picture of constant anxiety, fear, and eventual destruction. The wicked man lives in dread, haunted by “dreadful sounds.” He is cut off from prosperity, destined for darkness and ruin. He sees the wicked as actively opposing God, “stretching out his hand against God.” His physical prosperity (represented by “fatness”) ultimately blinds him to his spiritual demise. The imagery of a barren vine and olive tree suggests a lack of fruitfulness and ultimate judgment. Eliphaz concludes by condemning the “company of hypocrites,” whose actions ultimately lead to destruction. This entire section is aimed at convincing Job that his suffering is evidence of his wickedness.

Context: Eliphaz draws upon the established wisdom literature of his time, which often associated prosperity with righteousness and suffering with wickedness. However, the Book of Job challenges this simplistic view.

Spiritual Application: While the consequences of sin are real, we must avoid the trap of equating suffering with inherent wickedness. God’s ways are often mysterious, and suffering can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and deeper faith. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of *metanoia*, a continuous process of repentance and turning towards God, rather than a one-time event. Find out more about spiritual resources for navigating suffering.

Key Reflections on Job 15

Consider these key takeaways from Job 15:

• The Danger of Self-Righteousness: Eliphaz’s rigid judgment highlights the danger of self-righteousness. We must approach others with compassion and humility, recognizing our own imperfections.
• The Limitations of Human Wisdom: Eliphaz’s traditional wisdom fails to comprehend the complexities of Job’s suffering. True wisdom comes from God and transcends simplistic explanations.
• The Mystery of Suffering: Job 15 serves as a reminder that suffering is not always a direct consequence of sin. God’s purposes are often beyond our understanding.
• The Importance of Empathy: Eliphaz lacks empathy for Job’s pain. We must strive to understand and comfort those who are suffering, rather than judging them.
• The Hope in Christ: Even in the face of intense suffering, we can find hope in Christ, who endured the ultimate suffering for our salvation.
• Repentance and Metanoia: Through it all, Job will continue to repent and seek God’s will, which is a perfect example of the Coptic Orthodox teaching on Metanoia.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Job 15:

Q: Why is Eliphaz so harsh in his accusations?

A: Eliphaz operates within a worldview that rigidly connects righteousness with prosperity and wickedness with suffering. He believes Job’s suffering is irrefutable evidence of hidden sin and feels obligated to warn him of the consequences.

Q: Does Job deserve Eliphaz’s condemnation?

A: No, Job does not deserve Eliphaz’s condemnation. The Book of Job reveals that Job is righteous, and his suffering is a test of his faith. Eliphaz’s accusations are based on a flawed understanding of divine justice.

Q: What can we learn from Eliphaz’s mistakes?

A: We can learn the danger of judging others based on outward circumstances and the importance of approaching suffering with compassion and humility. We should avoid simplistic explanations for complex situations and trust in God’s unfathomable wisdom.

Q: How does this chapter relate to Coptic Orthodox theology?

A: This chapter underscores the importance of repentance, humility, and the recognition of our inherent sinfulness. It also highlights the limitations of human wisdom and the need to rely on God’s grace, which are core tenets of Coptic Orthodox faith.

Conclusion

Job 15 is a sobering reminder of the dangers of rigid judgment and the limitations of human understanding when grappling with suffering. Eliphaz’s accusations, while seemingly righteous, reveal a profound lack of empathy and a flawed theology. The chapter invites us to examine our own hearts and to approach those who are suffering with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith. Instead of hastily judging, we are called to offer comfort and pray for God’s grace to shine through even the darkest trials. Ultimately, Job 15 reminds us that true wisdom comes not from simplistic explanations but from a deep and abiding trust in God’s mysterious and loving plan. Let us, therefore, strive to emulate Christ’s love and compassion, offering hope and healing to those who are hurting. Navigating suffering is difficult, but through the lens of Job 15, we learn to approach it with Metanoia and a deep reliance on God. Job’s Suffering and the Wisdom of God guide us toward finding comfort in God’s unwavering presence.

Tags

Job, Eliphaz, Suffering, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Bible Commentary, Faith, Wisdom, Judgment, Compassion

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Explore Job 15 with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover the pitfalls of judgment, the mystery of suffering, and the importance of compassion. Understand **Job’s Suffering and the Wisdom of God**.