Job 13:5

5 If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.

Job 13:5 in Other Translations

5 O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.

5 Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!

5 If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.

5 I wish you'd shut your mouths - silence is your only claim to wisdom.

5 If only you would shut up and let that be your wisdom!

Job 13:5 Meaning and Commentary

Job 13:5

And that ye would altogether hold your peace
Since what they said of him was not true, nor anything to the purpose, or that tended to the comfort of his afflicted soul, but the reverse; and therefore he could have wished they had never broke silence, but continued as they were the first seven days of their visit; and now, since they had spoken, and had done no good by speaking, but hurt, he desires for the future they would be silent, and say no more:

and it should be your wisdom:
it would be the greatest evidence of it they could give; they had shown none by speaking; it would be a proof of some in them, should they hold their peace; a very biting expression this see ( Proverbs 17:28 ) .

Job 13:5 In-Context

3 But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.

4 You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!

5 If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.

6 Hear now my argument; listen to the pleas of my lips.

7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him?

Cross References

• 1. ver 13; S Judges 18:19
• 2. Proverbs 17:28