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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 13:5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/13-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/18_Job_13_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 13:5 - Job Reproves His Friends" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/13-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/13-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/13-4.htm" title="Job 13:4">◄</a> Job 13:5 <a href="/job/13-6.htm" title="Job 13:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/13.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Oh that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Oh, that you would be completely silent, And that <i>silence</i> would be your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only you would shut up and let that be your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only you would shut up and let that be your wisdom! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The wisest thing you can do is to keep quiet <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I wish you would keep silent. For you, that would be wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Say nothing, and someone may think you are wise! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I wish you'd all just shut up. Then at least you would appear to be wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If only you would keep completely silent! For you, that would be wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Oh that you would be completely silent. Then you would be wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />O that ye would altogether hold your peace and it would be your wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />O that you would keep perfectly silent, "" And it would be to you for wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> O that ye would keep perfectly silent, And it would be to you for wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Who will give silence? Ye shall be silent, and it shall be to you for wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I wish you would hold your peace, that you might be thought to be wise men.. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I wish that you would remain silent, so that you would be counted among the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Oh, that you would be altogether silent; that for you would be wisdom! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you would only keep silent, that would be your wisdom!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />O that you would altogether keep silent! And it would serve you for wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He, The Maker, is silent; you should be silent, and let this be for your wisdom<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But would that ye were silent, and it would be wisdom to you in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/13-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1948" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/13.htm">Job Reproves His Friends</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî- (Interjection) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">If only</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·tên (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2790.htm" title="2790: ha·ḥă·rêš (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To cut in, engrave, plow, devise.">you would remain silent;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2790.htm" title="2790: ta·ḥă·rî·šūn (V:: 3fp) -- To cut in, engrave, plow, devise."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: ū·ṯə·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">for that would be</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">your</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: lə·ḥā·ḵə·māh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom!</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a></span><br />Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a></span><br />Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a></span><br />He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Psalm 39:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Proverbs 29:20</a></span><br />Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">Psalm 141:3</a></span><br />Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">O that you would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.</p><p class="hdg">Oh that ye</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-13.htm">Job 13:13</a></b></br> Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what <i>will</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/11-3.htm">Job 11:3</a></b></br> Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3</a></b></br> Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?</p><p class="hdg">and it</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a></b></br> Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: <i>and</i> he that shutteth his lips <i>is esteemed</i> a man of understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:3</a></b></br> For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice <i>is known</i> by multitude of words.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/5-13.htm">Amos 5:13</a></b></br> Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it <i>is</i> an evil time.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/10-8.htm">Altogether</a> <a href="/job/6-13.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/job/11-3.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/job/12-6.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-33.htm">Perfectly</a> <a href="/job/11-18.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-19.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/job/11-3.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/job/12-17.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/24-4.htm">Altogether</a> <a href="/job/18-3.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/job/13-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/job/13-13.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-20.htm">Perfectly</a> <a href="/job/13-13.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/job/23-9.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/job/13-13.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/job/15-8.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/job/13-12.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Job 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/13-1.htm">Job reproves his friends for partiality</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/13-14.htm">He professes his confidence in God; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/13-19.htm">and entreats to know his own sins, and God's purpose in afflicting him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If only you would remain silent;</b><br>In the context of Job's discourse, this phrase highlights the value of silence in the face of suffering and misunderstanding. Job's friends have been speaking at length, offering explanations for his suffering that align with the retributive justice theology of the time, which posits that suffering is a direct result of sin. Job, however, challenges this notion, suggesting that silence might be more appropriate than misguided counsel. This echoes <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a>, which states, "Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent." The cultural context of the Ancient Near East often valued wisdom literature, where silence was seen as a sign of wisdom and understanding.<p><b>for that would be your wisdom!</b><br>Job implies that true wisdom sometimes lies in restraint and the acknowledgment of one's limitations in understanding divine matters. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that human wisdom is limited compared to God's infinite wisdom, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>, where God's thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts and ways. The historical context of Job, set in a patriarchal society, often involved elders and wise men who were expected to provide counsel. However, Job suggests that their wisdom is flawed. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who, in the New Testament, often remained silent before His accusers, demonstrating wisdom through restraint and fulfilling prophecy (<a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, enduring immense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar are the three friends who come to comfort Job but end up arguing with him, suggesting that his suffering is due to sin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_uz.htm">The Land of Uz</a></b><br>The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and sovereign being who allows Job's testing and later speaks to Job and his friends.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/satan.htm">Satan</a></b><br>The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_wisdom_of_silence.htm">The Wisdom of Silence</a></b><br>Silence can be a powerful tool for wisdom. In moments of conflict or misunderstanding, choosing silence can prevent further harm and allow for reflection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_speech.htm">Discernment in Speech</a></b><br>Not every situation requires our input. Discernment in when to speak and when to remain silent is a mark of maturity and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/empathy_in_comforting_others.htm">Empathy in Comforting Others</a></b><br>When comforting those who suffer, our presence and empathy often speak louder than words. Job's friends initially sat in silence with him, which was more comforting than their later speeches.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_understanding.htm">Humility in Understanding</a></b><br>Recognize the limits of our understanding. Job's friends assumed they knew the reasons for his suffering, but their lack of insight led to misguided counsel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>In times of suffering, trust in God's ultimate wisdom and sovereignty, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_42_contradict_divine_justice.htm">Why does the final chapter (Job 42) seemingly contradict earlier statements about divine justice and fairness, hinting that God's blessing can be won through passive endurance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'the_patience_of_job'_mean.htm">What does 'The Patience of Job' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_babies_to_suffer.htm">Why does God allow babies to be born with painful, fatal diseases if He knits them in the womb (Psalm 139:13)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_5_3_show_a_fool's_brief_rise.htm">In Job 5:3, how could a fool suddenly flourish only to be cursed, and does this reflect any historical or archeological anomaly?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">O that ye would altogether hold your peace! </span>is singularly like the sentiment of <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm" title="Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.">Proverbs 17:28</a>. Their wisdom will consist in listening to his wisdom rather than displaying their own folly.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace!</span> The friends had "held their peace" for seven days after their arrival (<a href="/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13</a>). Oh that they would have held it <span class="accented">altogether</span>! Their words had done nothing but exasperate and goad almost to madness. There is a mournful pathos in Job's entreates to them to be silent (comp ver. 13). <span class="cmt_word">And it should be your wisdom</span>. "Speech," it has been said, "is silvern, silence is golden." No doubt" there is a time for everything<span class="cmt_word">...</span> a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" (<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7</a>); nor is the rule of La Trappe altogether a wise one. But probably ten times as much harm is done in the world by speaking as by keeping silence. "Words for God" need especial care and caution. If they do not do good, the harm that they may do is incalculable. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/13-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If only</span><br /><span class="heb">מִֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(mî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you would be silent;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥă·rêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2790.htm">Strong's 2790: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut in, engrave, plow, devise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for that would be</span><br /><span class="heb">וּתְהִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֶ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom!</span><br /><span class="heb">לְחָכְמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/13-5.htm">OT Poetry: Job 13:5 Oh that you would be completely silent! (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/13-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 13:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 13:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/13-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 13:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 13:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>