Job 16:6

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

Job 16:6 Meaning and Commentary

Job 16:6

Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged
Though he spoke to God in prayer, and entreated for some abatement of his sorrows, he got no relief; and though he spoke to himself in soliloquies, his sorrow was not repressed nor lessened; he could not administer comfort to himself in the present case, though he might to others in like circumstances, if his own were changed;

and [though] I forbear
speaking, hold my peace, and say nothing,

what am I eased?
or "what goes from me" F20? not anything of my trouble or grief; sometimes a man speaking of his troubles to his friends gives vent to his grief, and he is somewhat eased; and on the other hand being silent about it, he forgets it, and it goes off; but in neither of those ways could Job be released: or it may be his sense is, that when he spake of his affliction, and attempted to vindicate his character, he was represented as an impatient and passionate man, if not as blasphemous, so that his grief was rather increased than assuaged; and if he was silent, that was interpreted a consciousness of his guilt; so that, let him take what course he would, it was much the same, he could get no ease nor comfort.


FOOTNOTES:

F20 (Klxy ynm hm) "quid a me abit", Junius & Tremellius, Schultens.

Job 16:6 In-Context

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!
8 You've shriveled me like a dried prune, showing the world that you're against me. My gaunt face stares back at me from the mirror, a mute witness to your treatment of me.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.