Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things? Iniquity in my tongue. Will you say that my guilt lies in the organ of speech, and will you call it to account? or is it that my taste (palate) or discernment is not capable to form a judgment of perverse things? Is it thus you will explain the fact of my having no consciousness of guilt? (Umbreit.) х cheek (H2441)] The palate, is used as the instrument of speaking, (Job 31:30, margin; Proverbs 5:3, margin.)
Thus perverse things means wicked speeches; "devouring words" (Psalms 52:4). Is it that I am not myself conscious when I utter nefarious speeches?
Remarks:
(1) It is easy to condemn others for impatience and want of resignation, forgetting that we ourselves, if exposed to the same trials, might probably not be one whit more patient and resigned than he whom we condemn. If our friends often complain of their sorrows, we may he sure their complaints are not altogether without cause, and it is the part of common humanity to show considerateness to one in affliction. It is a blessed fruit of ripened faith to have the spirit of meekness in bearing one another's burdens, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1-2).
(2) There is often much of genuine kindness to be met with in earthly friends; but oftener the friends to whom we have most looked up, and on whose sympathy We have especially calculated, have, when put to the test, as bitterly disappointed our hopes us the dried-up brook disappoints the thirsty traveler in the wilderness. But there is a Friend who has never betrayed the hopes of them that trust in Him. "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water" (Isaiah 41:17-18).
`One there is above all others, O how he loves! His is love beyond a brother's, O how he loves! Earthly friends may fail and grieve us, One day kind, the next day leave us, But this Friend will ne'er deceive us, O how he loves!'
(3) A good-conscience does not save the soul, but it assures us of salvation and peace with God (Job 6:10; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 9:14), and so takes away the fear of death. But impatience of the sorrows of life is no proof of fitness for death (Job 6:8-10). We should be willing to live, however afflicted, and be willing to die, however prosperous, if so God will it. Whilst there is life there is hopes; and in this respect David-who said, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him who is the health of my countenance" (Psalms 42:11) - is a better pattern to us than Job, who says, "What is my strength, that I should hope?"
(4) Kind and judicious words spoken in season are at times more precious than the most costly gifts (Job 6:22-23; Job 6:25). "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." On the other hand, harsh reproof and unjust insinuations wound a tender spirit like poisoned arrows. Truly we may pray, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: Keep the door of my lips" (Psalms 141:3).