5 If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.
5 O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.
5 Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!
5 I wish you'd shut your mouths - silence is your only claim to wisdom.
5 Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom!
5 If only you could be silent! That's the wisest thing you could do.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 13:5
Commentary on Job 13:1-12
(Read Job 13:1-12)
With self-preference, Job declared that he needed not to be taught by them. Those who dispute are tempted to magnify themselves, and lower their brethren, more than is fit. When dismayed or distressed with the fear of wrath, the force of temptation, or the weight of affliction, we should apply to the Physician of our souls, who never rejects any, never prescribes amiss, and never leaves any case uncured. To Him we may speak at all times. To broken hearts and wounded consciences, all creatures, without Christ, are physicians of no value. Job evidently speaks with a very angry spirit against his friends. They had advanced some truths which nearly concerned Job, but the heart unhumbled before God, never meekly receives the reproofs of men.