Job 13:5

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

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 As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.

4 As for you, you smear me with lies. As physicians, you are worthless quacks.

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

6 Listen to my charge; pay attention to my arguments.

7 “Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?