151 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: 2 "A wise man wouldn't answer with such empty talk! You are nothing but a windbag. 3 The wise don't engage in empty chatter. What good are such words? 4 Have you no fear of God, no reverence for him? 5 Your sins are telling your mouth what to say. Your words are based on clever deception. 6 Your own mouth condemns you, not I. Your own lips testify against you. 7 "Were you the first person ever born? Were you born before the hills were made? 8 Were you listening at God's secret council? Do you have a monopoly on wisdom? 9 What do you know that we don't? What do you understand that we do not? 10 On our side are aged, gray-haired men much older than your father! 11 "Is God's comfort too little for you? Is his gentle word not enough? 12 What has taken away your reason? What has weakened your vision, 13 that you turn against God and say all these evil things? 14 Can any mortal be pure? Can anyone born of a woman be just? 15 Look, God does not even trust the angels. Even the heavens are not absolutely pure in his sight. 16 How much less pure is a corrupt and sinful person with a thirst for wickedness!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 15:1-16
Commentary on Job 15:1-16
(Read Job 15:1-16)
Eliphaz begins a second attack upon Job, instead of being softened by his complaints. He unjustly charges Job with casting off the fear of God, and all regard to him, and restraining prayer. See in what religion is summed up, fearing God, and praying to him; the former the most needful principle, the latter the most needful practice. Eliphaz charges Job with self-conceit. He charges him with contempt of the counsels and comforts given him by his friends. We are apt to think that which we ourselves say is important, when others, with reason, think little of it. He charges him with opposition to God. Eliphaz ought not to have put harsh constructions upon the words of one well known for piety, and now in temptation. It is plain that these disputants were deeply convinced of the doctrine of original sin, and the total depravity of human nature. Shall we not admire the patience of God in bearing with us? and still more his love to us in the redemption of Christ Jesus his beloved Son?