Albert Barnes Commentary Job 17:10

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 17:10

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 17:10

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"But as for you all, come on now again; And I shall not find a wise man among you." — Job 17:10 (ASV)

But as for you all, do you return - This may mean either “return to the debate;” or “return from your unjust and uncharitable opinion concerning me.” The former seems to accord best with the scope of the passage. Tindal renders it, “Get you hence.” Dr. Good, “Get ye hence, and begone, I pray.” Wemyss, “Repeat your discourses as often as you may, I do not find a wise man among you.” It is doubtful, however, whether the Hebrew will bear this construction.

For I cannot find one wise man among you - Perhaps the idea here is, “I have not yet found one wise man among you, and you are invited, therefore, to renew the argument. Until now you have said nothing that indicates wisdom. Try again, and see if you can say anything now that will deserve attention.” If this is the meaning, it shows that Job was willing to hear all that they had to say, and to give them credit for wisdom, if they ever showed any.