This We Have Searched Out
Job 5:27 Once again, Eliphaz has good theology, but misuses it. Like Eliphaz we need to be careful how we use God's word.
8/14/20262 min read
Behold, this we have searched out; It is true. Hear it, and know for yourself. Job 5:27 (NKJV)
Eliphaz continues his speech, speaking from personal observation and experience, and tells Job that his trouble did not spring from the ground - that is, come out of nowhere. Insinuating that God is correcting Job, Eliphaz says, "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore, do not despise the chastening of the Almighty." Eliphaz offers theological truths about God’s nature and His relationship with humanity, while many of his statements are true, his application to Job’s specific situation is flawed, showing the importance of context and compassion in spiritual counsel.
The bible is the basic instruction before leaving earth, but we need to be careful on how we apply it. As Christians, we can misuse scripture for our own personal gain and not know the true meaning of a verse. One of the most incorrectly quoted verses is Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It is often misinterpreted as a promise of personal achievement and success, rather than a statement about enduring all circumstances through faith. Paul expresses gratitude for the support he received from the Philippian church but clarifies that his contentment does not depend on his circumstances. He has learned to be content in both abundance and need, leading to the true meaning of Philippians 4:13: Strength to endure all situations through the power of Christ.
Choose to protect yourself against misquoting the bible. Always read a verse in its full context, which means to read the verses before, after, and the chapter if needed to know the authors intent. Be intentional about when you quote and ask yourself: Why am I quoting this? Is it to encourage, teach, or apply? If it’s for application, ensure you’ve considered the context and relevance. If it’s for a quick “soundbite,” be aware that it may oversimplify the truth. Make is a practice of searching the bible for any verses you may hear, especially if the quote is self-promoting. Some verses are not in the bible, like “Money is the root of all evil” which is a misquotation of 1 Timothy 6:10, that says, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,” warning against greed, not money itself. When you search out the bible, you develop spiritual maturity and are able to provide the hope and encouragement that comes from God.