2 How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak. 3 Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight?
2 "How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and then we will speak. 3 Why are we counted as cattle? Why are we stupid in your sight?
2 "How monotonous these word games are getting! Get serious! We need to get down to business. 3 Why do you treat your friends like slow-witted animals? You look down on us as if we don't know anything.
2 "How long till you put an end to words? Gain understanding, and afterward we will speak. 3 Why are we counted as beasts, And regarded as stupid in your sight?
2 "How long before you stop talking? Speak sense if you want us to answer! 3 Do you think we are mere animals? Do you think we are stupid?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 18:2-3
Commentary on Job 18:1-4
(Read Job 18:1-4)
Bildad had before given Job good advice and encouragement; here he used nothing but rebukes, and declared his ruin. And he concluded that Job shut out the providence of God from the management of human affairs, because he would not admit himself to be wicked.