Job 13:5 Commentary and Bible Study

Better, by far, for them to remain silent and to admit that they do not understand Job’s case, than to offer the sort of counsel that they are offering. It is a greater sign of wisdom for a man to remain silent than to offer advice that is inappropriate. At least such a man understands that the case is too hard for him. The one who blurts out useless advice shows he has not even grasped the problem he is presuming to address. We must recognise our limits, for it is a shameful thing for a person to put themselves forward for a task for which they are not qualified. First of all we must know ourselves and then we can consider knowing others.Job calls their attention to listen carefully to what he is about to say next, for he is going to put his finger on their error and show them the magnitude of their fault. He will speak like one in a court of law, pleading as an advocate does. Job knows the power of prejudice, and he knows how their hearts have hardened against him. It will be very hard for them to give him a fair hearing, and yet they badly need to do this. The situation is such that, though they cannot see it, their need is greater than his. He had not lost the ability to reason (Gill), so they must let his words speak for themselves.