Bible Discussion Questions for Job: Chapter 15

Job Chapter 15 Summary

Eliphaz's theory about Job, charging him with foolishly justifying himself.

Discussion Questions for Job, Chapter 15

1. What accusation does Eliphaz make against Job? What evidence does Eliphaz have that Job has sinned? Is the evidence convincing? Why or why not?
2. How do Eliphaz's accusations compare with what God says of Job in chapter 1? Why is it important for us to remember Job's innocence?
3. How does this speech from Eliphaz compare to his first speech in chapters 4–5? How, if at all, has his argument changed?
4. According to Eliphaz, why do people suffer? Is he right? Why or why not?
5. Eliphaz and the rest of Job's friends are arguing for something called "the retribution principle," which means that God punishes evil and rewards good. Where do you hear this kind of thinking today?
6. Why is it so tempting to believe that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people? If this were truly the case, would anyone have anything good?
7. What is the significance of Eliphaz's question in verse 14? Can we be pure and righteous? How?
8. Eliphaz seems to base his argument on human wisdom and experience (see vs. 9–10, 17–18). Is this always a good way to interpret the world? Why or why not?
9. Eliphaz accuses Job of hindering devotion to God (vs. 4 NIV). What are some ways that we can hinder our devotion to God?
10. How should Eliphaz have responded to Job's suffering? What are some helpful and unhelpful ways we can respond to the sufferings of others?

Key Words/Phrase

Unprofitable talk, v. 3.

Characters

God, Job, Eliphaz.

Strong Verse(s)

15, 31.