Job 13:5

5 I wish you would just stay silent; for you, that would be 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 However, it's Shaddai I want to speak with; I want to prove my case to God.
4 But you, what you do is whitewash with lies; you are all witch doctors!
5 I wish you would just stay silent; for you, that would be wisdom!
6 "Now listen to my reasoning, pay attention to how I present my dispute.
7 Is it for God's sake that you speak so wickedly? for him that you talk deceitfully?
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.