Job 11:3

"“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?"

Key Reflection

In Job 11:3, Eliphaz challenges his friend Job to acknowledge that many words should not go unanswered. This verse reflects the cultural expectation in ancient Near Eastern societies where eloquent speech was highly valued, yet wisdom and restraint were also esteemed. The rhetorical question underscores the idea that excessive talking can sometimes obscure truth or justice, suggesting that Job's lengthy defense of himself might not be the most effective approach to resolving his suffering.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Should thy lies -Margin, “devices.” Rosenmuller renders this, “should men bear thy boastings with silence?” Dr. Good, “before thee would man-kind keep silence?” Vulgate, “tibi soli tacebunt homines?” “Shall men be silent before thee alone? The Septuagint tenders the whole passage, “he who speaketh much should also hear in turn; else the fine speaker (εὔλαλοςeulalos) thinketh himself just. - Blessed be the short-lived offspring of woman. Be not profuse of words, for there is no one that judges against thee, and do not say that I am pure in works and blameless before him?” How this was made out of the Hebrew, or what is its exact sense, I am unable to say.

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