Job 15:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This temptation can catch them off guard, leading to sin before they realize what has happened. The second type of temptation is more insidious, creeping in gradually to weaken the resolve of even the steadfast; it is not through intensity but through subtlety that it exhausts the very powers of virtue. Thus, while one type of temptation can suddenly cast a person down, it is true that the mountain, when it falls, disappears, and the rock is displaced; a once righteous mind, upon encountering a sudden trial, may find itself plunged into sin.

Conversely, the other form of temptation infiltrates gently, undermining the firmness of a person’s intentions, which is akin to how the waters wash away the stones. For instance, the insidious flattery of desire gradually erodes the strength of the soul, as bad habits slowly corrode the firm resolve of the mind. Hence, it is rightly said: being washed away little by little, the earth is corroded. Just as flowing water gradually disintegrates the earth, so too can a persistent vice, creeping in unnoticed, ultimately consume even the strongest of wills. Therefore, the assertion holds true: You destroy man, particularly when You permit sudden temptation to seize the mind of a righteous person who appears strong. In such moments, the mountain falls, and the rock is displaced from its position; when the heart sways toward evil, the solid foundation crumbles.

In contrast, when a slow but relentless temptation exercises its influence over those deemed resilient, it reflects how the waters carry away the rocks. Over time, and being washed away gently, the earth suffers erosion, as the resolve of the heart dilutes under stealthy enticement.

Consider how David represents the ‘high mountain,’ elevated by the Spirit of prophecy to ponder the profound mysteries of God. Yet we must recognize his ‘slip’ due to a sudden temptation; swamped by lust, he seized another's wife and caused the demise of her husband, leading to a loss of his own power. The mountain indeed fell, as the mind that had once soared within celestial truths succumbed to a shocking moral failure and became sullied. Thus, the rock's position became compromised as the prophet closed himself off from divine revelations and indulged in shameful thoughts.

We can also see the waters carry away the rocks in the case of Solomon. His numerous immoral relationships led him to construct a temple for idols, abandoning the pure worship of God he initially served. This constant degeneration of the flesh ultimately beguiled his spirit. What more is this than an illustration of how ‘the waters carry away the stones, and the earth is washed away little by little,’ as sin encroached gradually, eroding the heart’s foundations?

Therefore, let blessed Job contemplate both forms of temptation, whether they arise suddenly or manifest through slow persistence. Observing the downfalls of others, he should reflect deeply and utter, "Surely when the mountain falls, it departs, and the rock shifts from its place. The waters carry away the rocks, and being washed away little by little, the earth is corroded; likewise, You destroy man." This indicates that just as certain events may cause sudden collapse, others may carry one away gently over time. In the same way, the intelligent being You created can be overwhelmed by either immediate temptation or prolonged, subtle seduction. This rational being is aptly captured in the remarks that follow.