My words are from an upright heartThis phrase emphasizes the speaker's claim to integrity and sincerity. In the context of the Book of Job, Elihu, the speaker, presents himself as a righteous and honest individual. The concept of an "upright heart" is significant in biblical literature, often associated with righteousness and a genuine relationship with God (
Psalm 7:10,
Proverbs 11:20). The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of moral and spiritual life, indicating that Elihu's intentions are pure. This aligns with the biblical theme that God values the heart's condition over outward appearances (
1 Samuel 16:7).
and my lips speak sincerely
Elihu asserts that his speech is genuine and truthful. The emphasis on sincerity reflects a broader biblical principle that God desires truthfulness in communication (Proverbs 12:22,Ephesians 4:25). In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, where rhetoric and persuasive speech were highly valued, Elihu's claim to sincerity sets him apart as someone who prioritizes truth over eloquence. This mirrors the New Testament teaching of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of honest speech (Matthew 5:37).
what I know
Elihu claims to speak from knowledge, suggesting that his insights are based on understanding and wisdom. In the context of Job, this is significant because the book deals with the limits of human understanding in the face of divine mysteries. Elihu's assertion can be seen as a reflection of the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 2:6,James 1:5). This phrase also connects to the broader narrative of Job, where the quest for understanding and the nature of divine justice are central themes. Elihu's confidence in his knowledge contrasts with the earlier dialogues, where Job's friends often spoke from assumptions rather than true understanding.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ElihuA young man who speaks to Job and his friends. He is introduced in
Job 32 and is notable for his passionate defense of God's justice and his critique of Job's friends and Job himself.
2.
JobThe central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and seeks to understand the reasons behind his trials.
3.
Job's FriendsEliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, often suggesting that Job's suffering is due to sin.
4.
The DialogueThe Book of Job is structured as a series of dialogues, and
Job 33 is part of Elihu's speech, which spans several chapters.
5.
The SettingThe land of Uz, where Job lived, is the backdrop for the events of the book, though the exact location is not specified in the text.
Teaching Points
The Importance of a Pure HeartElihu emphasizes that his words come from an "upright heart." As believers, we are called to cultivate purity in our hearts, ensuring that our motives and intentions align with God's will.
Sincerity in SpeechElihu claims that his lips speak sincerely. This challenges us to be truthful and genuine in our communication, reflecting integrity in all our interactions.
Knowledge and WisdomElihu speaks "what I know," indicating the value of speaking from a place of understanding and wisdom. We should seek to grow in our knowledge of God and His Word to speak wisely.
Youth and WisdomElihu, though young, offers profound insights. This reminds us that wisdom is not limited by age and that God can use anyone who seeks Him earnestly.
God's Justice and Human UnderstandingElihu's speeches address the complexity of God's justice. We are reminded to trust in God's perfect justice, even when we do not fully understand our circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 33:3?
2.How does Job 33:3 emphasize the importance of speaking with sincerity and truth?
3.What does "my words are sincere" teach about integrity in communication?
4.How can we ensure our words align with "knowledge" as mentioned in Job 33:3?
5.What other scriptures highlight the significance of speaking truthfully and sincerely?
6.How can Job 33:3 guide us in our daily conversations with others?
7.How does Job 33:3 reflect the sincerity of Elihu's speech?
8.What is the significance of "pure knowledge" in Job 33:3?
9.How does Job 33:3 challenge the authenticity of human wisdom?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 33?
11.Did Job's words contain any sin?
12.In Job 13:3, how can Job claim he wants to reason directly with God if Exodus 33:20 states no one can see God and live?
13.If Job 3:8 references creatures like Leviathan, is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting such a being?
14.In Job 31:1-4, how can Job claim such purity given other scriptures teach no one is entirely sinless?What Does Job 33:3 Mean
My words• The speaker, Elihu, begins by drawing attention to the very act of speaking. Scripture often links a person’s words to the condition of the soul (Proverbs 18:21;Matthew 12:37).
•Job 33:1 shows Elihu asking Job to “listen to my speech,” underscoring that words can be instruments of grace or judgment (Ephesians 4:29).
• By highlighting “my words,” the verse reminds us that God holds every word accountable (Matthew 12:36) and that faithful believers strive to mirror His truth in conversation (Colossians 4:6).
are from an upright heart• An “upright heart” reflects integrity consistent withPsalm 15:2—“He who walks blamelessly and does what is right… speaks truth in his heart.”
• Elihu’s claim signals sincerity before both God and man (2 Corinthians 1:12). Integrity of heart precedes integrity of speech (Psalm 37:30–31).
• This inner alignment reminds us Christ calls believers to purity not just outwardly but inwardly (Matthew 5:8), making our hearts the wellspring of righteous words (Luke 6:45).
and my lips speak• Lips are the instrument through which the heart’s content flows. InProverbs 16:23, “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth,” paralleling Elihu’s confidence that his words match his motives.
• Scripture urges that our mouths be guarded (Psalm 141:3) so that speech builds up rather than tears down (Ephesians 4:29).
• Elihu’s boldness foreshadows New Testament teaching that Spirit-led believers must openly testify to truth (Acts 4:20).
sincerely• Sincerity here carries the idea of purity and freedom from deceit, echoing1 Timothy 1:5, which calls for “love that comes from a pure heart… and a sincere faith.”
• God despises double-tongued or flattering speech (Psalm 12:2); instead, He delights in honesty (Proverbs 12:22).
• Elihu models the candid transparency urged inJames 5:12—“let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no.”
what I know• Elihu limits his claims to what he truly understands. This humility aligns with1 Corinthians 4:6, urging believers “not to go beyond what is written.”
• Knowledge in Scripture is never for self-exaltation but service (1 Corinthians 8:1;1 Peter 4:11).
• By speaking only what he knows, Elihu anticipates Peter’s counsel: “If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
summaryJob 33:3 presents a model for godly communication: words rooted in integrity, spoken through sincere lips, confined to truth we genuinely know. From heart to mouth, the believer’s speech is to reflect God’s character—honest, upright, and edifying.
Verse 3. -
My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart. Moreover, whatever I say will be said with entire sincerity. My heart is upright, and I shall speak "from the uprightness of my heart," without pretence, deception, or concealment of any kind.
And my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. I shall say only
what I know and shall endeavour to say it simply and clearly, so that no one can mistake my meaning.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
My wordsאֲמָרָ֑י(’ă·mā·rāy)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 561:Something saidare from an uprightיֹֽשֶׁר־(yō·šer-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3476:Straightness, uprightnessheart,לִבִּ֥י(lib·bî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreand my lipsשְׂ֝פָתַ֗י(p̄ā·ṯay)Noun - fdc | first person common singular
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginspeakמִלֵּֽלוּ׃(mil·lê·lū)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4448:To speak, utter, saysincerelyבָּר֥וּר(bā·rūr)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1305:To clarify, examine, selectwhat I know.וְדַ֥עַת(wə·ḏa·‘aṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1847:Knowledge
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OT Poetry: Job 33:3 My words shall utter the uprightness (Jb) 
