This verse emphasizes the crucial warning that misplaced trust and self-deception will produce nothing but futility.
Eliphaz the Temanite warns against self-deception and putting confidence in things that lack true substance when he says, “Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself; For emptiness will be his reward” (v.31). The term “Temanite” indicates Eliphaz’s origin from Teman, a region associated with Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea. He likely lived around the time of the patriarchs, traditionally estimated between 2000-1800 BC. Eliphaz is one of Job’s friends who came to offer commentary on Job’s suffering; here, he takes a strong stance on the folly of trusting in that which cannot ultimately support or satisfy.
By insisting, “Let him not trust in emptiness” (v.31), Eliphaz implies that anything built on deception or pride is unworthy of our hope. In a broader biblical sense, many passages caution against resting one’s heart on fleeting things. Jesus Himself touched upon this theme when He taught against laying up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21), underscoring that riches or vain pursuits are ultimately “emptiness” if not rooted in trust in God. This verse echoes that caution, making it clear that the individual who invests in hollow illusions will only harvest disappointment.
The phrase, “For emptiness will be his reward” (v.31), communicates the inevitable outcome: those who sow in vanity reap emptiness (Galatians 6:7-8). Eliphaz’s perspective is that one’s inner motives and external choices will eventually converge toward a just result. Although his words are aimed at Job, they also serve as a timeless reminder for readers to examine their own hopes and ambitions, ensuring they rely on a foundation that can truly bear the weight of life’s trials.
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Job 15:31 meaning
Eliphaz the Temanite warns against self-deception and putting confidence in things that lack true substance when he says, “Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself; For emptiness will be his reward” (v.31). The term “Temanite” indicates Eliphaz’s origin from Teman, a region associated with Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea. He likely lived around the time of the patriarchs, traditionally estimated between 2000-1800 BC. Eliphaz is one of Job’s friends who came to offer commentary on Job’s suffering; here, he takes a strong stance on the folly of trusting in that which cannot ultimately support or satisfy.
By insisting, “Let him not trust in emptiness” (v.31), Eliphaz implies that anything built on deception or pride is unworthy of our hope. In a broader biblical sense, many passages caution against resting one’s heart on fleeting things. Jesus Himself touched upon this theme when He taught against laying up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21), underscoring that riches or vain pursuits are ultimately “emptiness” if not rooted in trust in God. This verse echoes that caution, making it clear that the individual who invests in hollow illusions will only harvest disappointment.
The phrase, “For emptiness will be his reward” (v.31), communicates the inevitable outcome: those who sow in vanity reap emptiness (Galatians 6:7-8). Eliphaz’s perspective is that one’s inner motives and external choices will eventually converge toward a just result. Although his words are aimed at Job, they also serve as a timeless reminder for readers to examine their own hopes and ambitions, ensuring they rely on a foundation that can truly bear the weight of life’s trials.