Job 13:5

5 And I would, that ye were still, that ye were guessed to be wise men. (And I wish, that ye held your peace, so that ye could be thought to be wise.)

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 nevertheless I shall speak to Almighty God, and I covet to dispute with God (and I desire to dispute with God);

4 and first I (shall) show you (to be) makers of lies, and lovers/favourers of wayward teachings. (but first I shall show you to be liars, and lovers of wayward teaching.)

5 And I would, that ye were still, that ye were guessed to be wise men. (And I wish, that ye held your peace, so that ye could be thought to be wise.)

6 Therefore hear ye my chastisings; and perceive ye the doom of my lips. (And so hear ye my arguments; and understand ye the judgement from my lips.)

7 Whether God hath need to your leasing, that ye speak guileful things for him? (Hath God a need for your lies, so that ye speak these guileful things for him?)