Windy Knowledge
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: “Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? Should he argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which he can do no good?”
Job 15:1-3
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Windy Knowledge
Eliphaz speaks once more to Job, but this time in a much more confrontational and accusing manner. He says Job speaks with “windy knowledge,” which is to say his words are destructive. Similar to a hurricane which blows in and destroys everything. Our words can often be destructive, especially when they are not tempered with love. And ironically, this is what Eliphaz falls victim to. He does not like the fact that Job did not agree with his assessment of his situation. He becomes defensive and lashes out with harsh destructive words. So often this is the path we take. We accuse and berate those who disagree with us. Our words are spoken in haste when we are angered. God warns us against this, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1) and encourages us to build one another up, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We are to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2). Jesus gave Himself unto death so that we might have life. These are the words which we are to speak to others. This is the message we all need to hear. This is how Christ would have us speak, not in windy knowledge, but in calming truth. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). Because Christ loved us, giving His life for us on the cross, we are freed to love God and love our neighbor. And God’s Word of love only builds up and is never destructive.
Job 15:1-3
+
Windy Knowledge
Eliphaz speaks once more to Job, but this time in a much more confrontational and accusing manner. He says Job speaks with “windy knowledge,” which is to say his words are destructive. Similar to a hurricane which blows in and destroys everything. Our words can often be destructive, especially when they are not tempered with love. And ironically, this is what Eliphaz falls victim to. He does not like the fact that Job did not agree with his assessment of his situation. He becomes defensive and lashes out with harsh destructive words. So often this is the path we take. We accuse and berate those who disagree with us. Our words are spoken in haste when we are angered. God warns us against this, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1) and encourages us to build one another up, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We are to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2). Jesus gave Himself unto death so that we might have life. These are the words which we are to speak to others. This is the message we all need to hear. This is how Christ would have us speak, not in windy knowledge, but in calming truth. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). Because Christ loved us, giving His life for us on the cross, we are freed to love God and love our neighbor. And God’s Word of love only builds up and is never destructive.
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