Job 23:5

5 I would see what his answers would be, and have knowledge of what he would say to me.

Job 23:5 Meaning and Commentary

Job 23:5

I would know the words [which] he would answer me
Being a God hearing and answering prayer, who always hears, and sooner or later answers the petitions of his people in his own way; and which when he does, they know, take notice, and observe it: or then he should know the reason why the Lord contended with him, and what were his sins and transgressions, which were the cause of his afflictions; things he had desired to know, but as yet had no answer, see ( Job 10:2 ) ( Job 13:22 Job 13:23 ) ;

and understand what he would say unto me;
what judgment he would pass upon him, what sentence he would pronounce on him, whether guilty or not, and by which judgment he was content to stand or fall; as for men's judgment, the judgment of his friends, or to be judged by them, he required it not, as he did not understand upon what ground they went, or that it was a good one; but the judgment of God he should pay a deference to, as being always according to truth, and the reason of which, when he should have a hearing before him, and a decisive sentence by him, he should clearly perceive; see ( 1 Corinthians 4:3 ) .

Job 23:5 In-Context

3 If only I had knowledge of where he might be seen, so that I might come even to his seat!

4 I would put my cause in order before him, and my mouth would be full of arguments

5 I would see what his answers would be, and have knowledge of what he would say to me.

6 Would he make use of his great power to overcome me? No, but he would give attention to me.

7 There an upright man might put his cause before him; and I would be free for ever from my judge.