Your iniquity teaches you what to say, and you choose the language of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, not I; your own lips testify against you. Job 13:23-24 HCSB
We have all been taught that 1+1 = 2 and A + B = C. We were also taught in physics that for each and every motion there is an opposite motion or force. As a child we learn that when we choose to participate in certain activities and behaviors that we will face some discipline. There are consequences for our sins.
Eliphaz responded to Job’s response by pressing the argument further. Eliphaz was rude and even went as far as saying that Job’s words were crafty, implying that Job was just like the serpent in Genesis who was crafty and told lies. He accused Job of being a liar. He then restated that Job’s suffering had to be a result of some type of sin in his life. He believed that it was as simple as 1+1=2. If a person sinned then he would naturally suffer the consequences of his sin. Eliphaz misjudged Job’s response to be one that was deceptive and arrogant.
Challenge: Be careful not to jump to conclusions and misjudge people and their responses. Give people the benefit of doubt. Listen to people even when you think you are right and have the correct answer for a situation.