Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?
Job 13:7 stands in Job's answer to his three friends as he appeals to God. The chapter falls within the debate between Job and his three friends about Job's afflictions. It stands in Job's reply to their constant accusations, open and implied, within the extended exchange from Job 8 to Job 27 that ends with his friends ceasing to trouble him while Job is still speaking.
The verse asks whether they will speak wickedly and deceitfully on God's behalf. It is Job challenging his friends for speaking falsely in God's defense. Speaking for God must not mean speaking falsely or wickedly in his name.
Job rebukes his three friends for charging him with sin and declaring his sufferings came because of sin. His friends upheld the theory that suffering comes because of sin. God was disciplining Job and bringing him through the fire of affliction.
The fact that the book of Job is inspired does not make every statement in it true. Job's friends spoke their own words, and their claims, though generally true in themselves, were misapplied to Job's suffering. Their claim conflicted with what Job had experienced.
The verse warns against defending God or a cherished belief by speaking falsely and ignoring the facts of human experience and the plain evidence of God's dealings. Denying God's providence in life to protect such a theory is not faith but fear. When an idea conflicts with that evidence the idea should be revised rather than facts denied. Questioning a supposed truth that can be defended only by questionable means can lead to deeper faith.
The verse exposes misjudging fellow sufferers in God's name, a way people still misjudge one another today. It applies to the preacher's responsibility to speak well. His words should be clear and truthful rather than high-sounding nonsense, and should faithfully carry the message of sin, Christ, and saving grace.
Job 13:7 stands in Job's answer to his three friends as he appeals to God. The chapter falls within the debate between Job and his three friends about Job's afflictions. It stands in Job's reply to their constant accusations, open and implied, within the extended exchange from Job 8 to Job 27 that ends with his friends ceasing to trouble him while Job is still speaking.
The verse asks whether they will speak wickedly and deceitfully on God's behalf. It is Job challenging his friends for speaking falsely in God's defense. Speaking for God must not mean speaking falsely or wickedly in his name.
Job rebukes his three friends for charging him with sin and declaring his sufferings came because of sin. His friends upheld the theory that suffering comes because of sin. God was disciplining Job and bringing him through the fire of affliction.
The fact that the book of Job is inspired does not make every statement in it true. Job's friends spoke their own words, and their claims, though generally true in themselves, were misapplied to Job's suffering. Their claim conflicted with what Job had experienced.
The verse warns against defending God or a cherished belief by speaking falsely and ignoring the facts of human experience and the plain evidence of God's dealings. Denying God's providence in life to protect such a theory is not faith but fear. When an idea conflicts with that evidence the idea should be revised rather than facts denied. Questioning a supposed truth that can be defended only by questionable means can lead to deeper faith.
The verse exposes misjudging fellow sufferers in God's name, a way people still misjudge one another today. It applies to the preacher's responsibility to speak well. His words should be clear and truthful rather than high-sounding nonsense, and should faithfully carry the message of sin, Christ, and saving grace.