16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
16 And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?
16 Why should I wait any longer, now that you're stopped dead in your tracks?
16 And I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still and answered no more.
16 Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 32:16
Commentary on Job 32:15-22
(Read Job 32:15-22)
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.