Deception

For your wrongdoing teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the cunning.—Job 15:5 NASB

To Eliphaz, the facts were clear. Job had experienced serious problems. From Eliphaz’s perspective, this inevitably meant that Job could not be as innocent as he claimed. Guilt must have motivated him. The Hebrew word suggests moral evil and perversity. He also must have been crafty.

Eliphaz claimed Job was condemned by his own words, and that he had elevated himself above God. He was like the wicked man who “writhes in pain all his days” (v. 20). It was a horrible existence. This had happened “because he has reached out his hand against God” (v. 25). Such men will “not escape from darkness” (v. 30).

Eliphaz concluded that Job must be a deceiver, even a fraud. But the Bible tells us Job’s problems were not the result of sin. He genuinely was blameless. He was going through problems to test his character and prove his core values.

All of us face the reality that others will judge us and evaluate our behavior. The story of Eliphaz demonstrates that these opinions can be wrong even if they appear correct and even biblical.

Today, be careful before you criticize others. Remember Jesus’ warning, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned” (Luke 6:37). Surrender your mind and heart to God. Let Him give you His wisdom and His discernment before you express judgments.

Reflection Question: What happens when you judge others without seeking God’s wisdom?