Job 15: Group Study Handout

Overview

In Job chapter 15, Eliphaz the Temanite addresses Job for the second time, responding to Job’s previous speeches with rebuke and criticism. Eliphaz asserts that Job’s words are empty and disrespectful, accusing him of undermining religion and piety. He argues that wisdom and understanding are being neglected by Job, who refuses to learn from the wise and ancient knowledge passed down through generations.

Key verse

“What is man, that he should be clean? What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?”

Job 15:14 (WEB)

Outline

1. Job 15:1–6 Eliphaz Responds to Job
2. Job 15:7–11 Questioning Job's Knowledge
3. Job 15:12–16 Describing Human Iniquity
4. Job 15:17–24 The Fate of the Wicked
5. Job 15:25–30 Reckoning with God's Judgment
6. Job 15:31–35 The End of the Godless

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does Eliphaz mean by 'vain knowledge'?
2. What does Eliphaz claim about Job's 'own mouth' in v6?
3. In vv. 14-16, what is implied about human righteousness compared to God's standards?
4. In v20, how does Eliphaz's view of the wicked contrast with Job's situation?
5. When have you felt unjustly accused, as Job is in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Job 15: Job 4, Galatians 6, Job 18.

Before next time: read Job 16.