Job 15:17

I will shew thee, hear me; and that which I have seen I will declare;

Job 15:17 (KJV)

Context

In Job 15, Eliphaz the Temanite speaks for the second time. He answers Job’s earlier words with firm confidence. Eliphaz believes that suffering comes only as punishment for sin, so he assumes Job must have done wrong. His speech is part of a long debate between Job and his three friends about why the righteous suffer.

This verse opens Eliphaz’s argument. He calls for Job’s attention and promises to share what he has personally observed. In the ancient world, a speaker often asked for a hearing before presenting his case. Similar calls appear in Job 13:17 and Job 32:17, where Job and Elihu also request a listen. This pattern shows that such speech was common in their discussions.

Meaning

Eliphaz says, “I will shew thee, hear me; and that which I have seen I will declare.” The word “shew” means to inform or demonstrate. Eliphaz is not quoting God; he is offering his own experience and tradition. He is certain that his observations are correct and that Job should accept them.

His confidence, however, is misplaced. Later in the book, God rebukes Eliphaz and his friends for speaking wrongly about Him (Job 42:7). Their counsel contained some true principles, but their application to Job was false. Human wisdom, even when sincere and confident, can be flawed.

Biblical connections

This verse reminds us that not every confident speaker is a true teacher. The book of Job shows that God’s ways are higher than human reasoning. While Eliphaz appeals to what he has seen, Job is called to trust in God’s unseen purposes. The contrast between human sight and divine wisdom runs through the whole book.

Application

When we face suffering, we may receive advice from well-meaning people. Their words may sound wise and be based on real experience. Yet we must test all counsel against Scripture and prayer. Like Job, we should bring our questions to God rather than accept every human explanation.

We also learn to be humble when giving advice. Eliphaz was sure he was right, but he was wrong. Before we speak into another person’s pain, we should listen carefully and remember that our understanding is limited. Only God sees the whole picture.

Reflection

This verse invites us to examine the source of the counsel we trust. Do we rely more on personal experience or on God’s revealed truth? Eliphaz’s error warns us that confidence is not proof of correctness. True wisdom begins with humility before God, who alone knows all things.