Job 15:1-16

15:2 Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge- The words that Job uses are not typical of a wise man. Eliphaz will hit Job with a barrage of questions. 

And fill himself with the east wind? The east wind comes off the desert and produces great discomfort (Jonah 4:8), destruction of crops (Gen. 41:6, 23, 27; Ezek. 17:10; 19:12), the tearing apart of ships (Ps. 48:7; Ezek. 27:26), brings locusts (Ex. 10:13), and is a picture of judgment (Job 27:21; Jer. 18:17; Hos. 13:15).

Bildad in 8:2 and Zophar in 11:2 speak in a similar way to what Eliphaz says here. Job did describe his words this way in 6:26. Job will describe their words the same way in 16:2-3. 

The word translated himself is sometimes translated belly (KJV, ESV, NIV, NET) (Jud. 3:21, 22; Job 20:15, 23) or abdomen (Num. 5:21, 22, 27) or even womb (Gen. 25:23-24; 30:2; 38:27; Job 1:21; 3:10-11). This word is also used in vs. 35. Since this was believed to be the seat of emotions therefore Eliphaz accuses Job of speaking more from the standpoint of emotion than intellect. 

 15:3 Should he argue with useless talk- The word argue was prominent in Job’s last speech- 13:3, 10, 10, 15.

Or with words which are not profitable?- This word profitable is used in texts where the people pursue idols that could not profit (Isa. 30:5-6; 44:9-10; 57:12; Jer. 2:8, 11; 7:8; 12:13; 16:19; 23:32). Job’s words are empty and unprofitable as idols. 

 15:4 Indeed, you do away with reverence- The word you is emphatic as Eliphaz describes what Job is doing. It is Job, not God, who is in the wrong. The verb do away is the same Hebrew word translated frustrates in 5:12 in which God frustrates the plotting of the shrewd. It is a word that often speaks of covenant breaking (Gen. 17:14; Lev. 26:15, 44; Num. 15:31; Deut. 31:16, 20; Judges 2:1; Ps. 119:126). The LORD uses it of Job in 40:8 saying that Job seeks to annul (NASB) or nullify the LORD’s justice. 

The word reverence is the root word used in 1:1, 8; 2:3 as the text talks about Job as one who fears God. (Also see Job 4:6; 22:4; 28:28; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; 9:10). Particularly striking is the contrast between this verse and 4:6. In 4:6 Eliphaz seems to acknowledge Job’s piety while in 15:4 he says that Job himself undermines it.  

Job has questioned God’s justice and sought to call Him to court. These indeed are striking words. 

15:5 And you choose the language of the crafty- In 5:12 it was difficult to tell if Eliphaz put Job in the company of those who are crafty, but there is no doubt here. The word crafty can be used more positively as prudent (Prov.12:16, 23; 13:16; 14:8,15, 18; 22:3; 27:12), but the context demands a more negative use. It is the same word used of the serpent in Gen. 3:1.