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Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.

Verse Takeaways

1

The Wisdom of Silence

Multiple commentators (Barnes, Ellicott, Gill) highlight that Job's sharp remark directly echoes Proverbs 17:28: 'Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise.' Job is telling his friends that since their words are neither comforting nor accurate, the wisest thing they could do is stop talking. This serves as a timeless lesson on the value of thoughtful silence over unhelpful speech, especially when ministering to the suffering.

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Book Overview

Job

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Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Job 13:5

18th Century

Theologian

Oh that you would altogether hold your peace! - You would show your wisdom by silence. Since you can say nothing that is adapted to…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Job 13:5

19th Century

Bishop

O that ye would altogether hold your peace! is singularly like the sentiment of Proverbs 17:28. Their wisdom will consist…

John Gill

John Gill

On Job 13:5

17th Century

Pastor

And that ye would altogether hold your peace
Since what they said of him was not true, nor anything to the purpose, …

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Job 13:1–12

17th Century

Minister

With self-importance, Job declared that he did not need to be taught by them. Those who dispute are tempted to magnify themselves and belittle thei…