Job 15:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Job’s friends were offended and irritated by his stern reprimand. However, this did not indicate a sense of pride towards God. In truth, Job, firm in his conviction of innocence, disregarded their baseless accusations. Feeling a sense of remorse for having scolded Job earlier, Eliphaz engages in hollow and futile chatter, as though Job had presumptuously spoken of him in the presence of God. Subsequently, without any expectation, he rushes to justify his unjust treatment of Job, suggesting that Job had opted for the speech of the wicked.

Your own words will serve as your judge, not I; indeed, your own tongue will bear witness against you Job 15:6 31. They believe that the misfortune stemming from adversity is the result of a mistake in her teachings; thus, they assert that ‘your mouth will bring you to judgment,’ revealing that they attribute the faults of speech as the root of suffering. Furthermore, they attempt to rationalize this belief; hence, Eliphaz commences his admonishment of the righteous Job, constructing his argument on logical reasoning and stating:

In his second address, Eliphaz challenges Job's justifications with renewed fervor and perceives his statements as baseless and even opposing to the Divine, suggesting that Job views prayer as superfluous. He aims to admonish Job using his own expressions, accusing him of hypocrisy and arrogance, as Job elevates his own wisdom and life experience above that of the elders, forgetting that no one can be deemed pure in the sight of God, while he considers himself righteous. Eliphaz juxtaposes Job's claims with the traditional songs of their forefathers, who were noted for their longevity and insight, affirming that the life of the wicked is filled with relentless dread and comes to a disastrous conclusion, particularly due to their pride before God.