Job 16:5

5 But I'd never do that. I'd console and comfort, make things better, not worse!

Job 16:5 Meaning and Commentary

Job 16:5

[But] I would strengthen you with my mouth
Comfort them with the words of his mouth; so God strengthens his people with strength in their souls, when he answers them with good and comfortable words; an angel strengthened Christ as man when in an agony, comforting him, suggesting comfortable things to him; so one saint may strengthen and comfort another when in distress, whether of soul or body; see ( Psalms 138:3 ) ( Luke 22:43 Luke 22:32 ) ; and thus Job had strengthened and comforted others, with his words in former times, as Eliphaz himself owns, ( Job 4:3 Job 4:4 ) and so he would again, were there a change in his circumstances, and objects presented:

and the moving of my lips should assuage [your grief]:
words uttered by him, which are done by the moving of the lips, should be such as would have a tendency to allay grief, to stop, restrain, forbid, and lessen sorrow; at least that it might not break out in an extravagant way, and exceed bounds, and that his friends might not be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

Job 16:5 In-Context

3 Is there no end to your windbag speeches? What's your problem that you go on and on like this?

4 If you were in my shoes, I could talk just like you. I could put together a terrific harangue and really let you have it.

5 But I'd never do that. I'd console and comfort, make things better, not worse!

6 "When I speak up, I feel no better; if I say nothing, that doesn't help either.

7 I feel worn down. God, you have wasted me totally - me and my family!