CINXE.COM

<!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 16:3 Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/16-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/18_Job_16_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 16:3 - Job Decries his Comforters" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?" /><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/16-3.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/16-3.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/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 3</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="/ad3.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/16-2.htm" title="Job 16:2">◄</a> Job 16:3 <a href="/job/16-4.htm" title="Job 16:4">►</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/16.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/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Shall windy words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Shall words of wind have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Is there <i>no</i> end to windy words? Or what provokes you that you answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Is there no limit to windy words? Or what plagues you that you answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Is there <i>no</i> limit to windy words? Or what plagues you that you answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Is there <i>no</i> end to windy words? Or what pains you that you answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Is there no end to [your futile] words of wind? Or what plagues you [so much] that you [so boldly] answer [me like this]?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Is there no end to your empty words? What provokes you that you continue testifying?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Is there no end to your empty words? What provokes you that you continue testifying? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Shall vain words have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So why don't you keep quiet? What's bothering you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Shall vain words have an end? or what provoketh thee that thou answerest?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Will [your] long-winded speeches never end? What disturbs you that you keep on answering [me]?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Are you going to keep on talking forever? Do you always have to have the last word? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Will windy words like yours never end? What is upsetting you that you keep on arguing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Will there be an end to your windy words? Or what provokes you that you answer? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Is there an end to words of wind? Or what emboldens you that you answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Is there an end to words of wind? Or what doth embolden thee that thou answerest?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Was there an end to words of wind? or what will provoke thee that thou wilt answer?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Shall windy words have no end? or is it any trouble to thee to speak? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Will there be no end to windy words? Or is it at all a burden to you, if you speak?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Is there no end to windy words? What sickness makes you rattle on? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Have windy words no limit? Or what provokes you that you keep on talking?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not grieve my spirit with words; even though you speak, I will not answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not grieve my spirit with words. Even though you will speak to me, I am not answering<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Shall windy words have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />What! is there any reason in vain words? or what will hinder thee from answering?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/16-3.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=2471" 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/16.htm">Job Decries his Comforters</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7093.htm" title="7093: hă·qêṣ (Art:: N-ms) -- End. Contracted from qatsats; an extremity; adverbially after.">Is there no end</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">to your long-winded</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: lə·ḏiḇ·rê- (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">speeches?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/4834.htm" title="4834: yam·rî·ṣə·ḵā (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To be sick. A primitive root; properly, to press, i.e. to be pungent or vehement; to irritate.">provokes you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ṯa·‘ă·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To answer, respond.">continue testifying?</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.…<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/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.<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="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a></span><br />A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:3</a></span><br />As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.<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/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<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="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36</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.<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="/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="/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.<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="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldens you that you answer?</p><p class="hdg">vain words.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/6-26.htm">Job 6:26</a></b></br> Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, <i>which are</i> as wind?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/8-2.htm">Job 8:2</a></b></br> How long wilt thou speak these <i>things</i>? and <i>how long shall</i> the words of thy mouth <i>be like</i> a strong wind?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-2.htm">Job 15:2</a></b></br> Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?</p><p class="hdg">what emboldeneth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3</a></b></br> I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/32-3.htm">Job 32:3-6</a></b></br> Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and <i>yet</i> had condemned Job… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/22-46.htm">Matthew 22:46</a></b></br> And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any <i>man</i> from that day forth ask him any more <i>questions</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/6-28.htm">Ails</a> <a href="/job/6-25.htm">Arguing</a> <a href="/job/14-19.htm">End</a> <a href="/job/15-8.htm">Limit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-8.htm">Plagues</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-8.htm">Provokes</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-25.htm">Provoketh</a> <a href="/job/15-3.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/job/5-16.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/job/3-17.htm">Troubling</a> <a href="/job/15-2.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/job/15-30.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/job/15-2.htm">Windy</a> <a href="/job/15-17.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/114-5.htm">Ails</a> <a href="/mark/9-14.htm">Arguing</a> <a href="/job/18-2.htm">End</a> <a href="/job/28-3.htm">Limit</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-30.htm">Plagues</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Provokes</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Provoketh</a> <a href="/job/16-4.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/job/29-9.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/job/20-2.htm">Troubling</a> <a href="/job/21-34.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/job/20-3.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/psalms/55-8.htm">Windy</a> <a href="/job/16-4.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Job 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/16-1.htm">Job reproves his friends for unmercifulness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/16-17.htm">He maintains his innocence</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/16.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/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Is there no end to your long-winded speeches?</b><br>In this phrase, Job is responding to his friends, who have been offering lengthy discourses on why they believe he is suffering. The term "long-winded" suggests verbosity and a lack of substance, indicating Job's frustration with their repetitive arguments. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, lengthy speeches were common in wisdom literature, often used to display knowledge and authority. However, Job perceives these speeches as lacking true insight into his situation. This reflects the broader theme of the book, where human wisdom is contrasted with divine wisdom. The rhetorical question implies that Job sees no value in their continued dialogue, echoing the sentiment found in <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a>, which warns against excessive talking.<p><b>What provokes you to continue testifying?</b><br>Here, Job questions the motivation behind his friends' persistent attempts to justify their views. The word "testifying" suggests a legal or formal declaration, aligning with the courtroom imagery prevalent throughout the book of Job. This imagery is significant, as Job feels he is on trial, not only by his friends but also by God. The historical context reveals that in ancient times, friends or community members often acted as informal judges or advisors, offering counsel based on traditional wisdom. Job's challenge to their motivation can be seen as a critique of their reliance on conventional wisdom rather than seeking a deeper understanding of his unique suffering. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of the inadequacy of human judgment compared to divine judgment, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>, which emphasize the difference between God's thoughts and human thoughts.<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/e/eliphaz,_bildad,_and_zophar.htm">Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar</a></b><br>Job's three friends who visit him to offer comfort but end up engaging in lengthy debates, suggesting that Job's suffering is due to his sin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and sovereign being, whose purposes and plans are central to the account of Job.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/satan.htm">Satan</a></b><br>The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his faithfulness is due to his prosperity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to heal or hurt. Job's friends intended to comfort but ended up causing more pain through their assumptions and lengthy arguments. Believers should be mindful of their words, ensuring they align with truth and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_over_speaking.htm">Listening Over Speaking</a></b><br>Job's frustration with his friends' speeches underscores the importance of listening more than speaking. In times of suffering, offering a listening ear can be more comforting than offering advice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_suffering.htm">Understanding Suffering</a></b><br>Job's experience reminds us that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. Believers should be cautious in making assumptions about the reasons behind others' trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/patience_in_trials.htm">Patience in Trials</a></b><br>Job's endurance through his friends' misguided counsel and his own suffering is a testament to patience. Christians are called to remain steadfast, trusting in God's ultimate justice and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_wisdom.htm">Seeking God's Wisdom</a></b><br>In the face of human reasoning and debate, seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture is paramount. Job's account encourages believers to turn to God for understanding rather than relying solely on human insight.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_job_sinless_if_all_have_sinned.htm">Given Job 16:17, how does the text account for Job's apparent sinlessness despite broader biblical teachings that 'all have sinned' (Romans 3:23)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_proof_of_god's_speech_today.htm">In Job 33:14, if God truly speaks in multiple ways, why is there no verifiable evidence of such divine communication today?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_eliphaz_claim_innocents_don't_perish.htm">In Job 4:7, how could Eliphaz assert that no innocent person has ever perished when history shows countless examples of righteous people suffering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_7_20_conflict_with_nt's_grace.htm">Does Job 7:20's portrayal of God as a watcher or observer of human sin conflict with the New Testament depiction of a forgiving, grace-filled God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Shall vain words have an end?</span>--The English idiom rather requires, "Shall <span class= "ital">not </span>vain words have an end? for if not, what emboldeneth or provoketh thee that thou answerest?" Eliphaz had contributed nothing to the discussion in his last reply; he had simply reiterated what had been said before.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Shall vain words have an end?</span> literally, as in the margin, <span class="accented">words of wind</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> words which pass by a man "as the idle wind which he regards not." Will his friends never bring their futile speaking to a close? <span class="cmt_word">Or what emboldeneth thee that thou anwerest?</span> rather, <span class="accented">what provoketh</span> thee? (Revised Version) Job had begged that his friends would be silent (<a href="/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5, 13</a>). He supposes that they would have complied with his wish if he had not provoked them, but professes an inability to see what provocation he had given. His last speech, however, had certainly not been conciliatory (see <a href="/job/12-1.htm">Job 12:1-3</a>; <a href="/job/13-4.htm">Job 13:4, 7</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/16-3.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">Is there no end</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲקֵ֥ץ</span> <span class="translit">(hă·qêṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7093.htm">Strong's 7093: </a> </span><span class="str2">An extremity, after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to your long-winded</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֑וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speeches?</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדִבְרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏiḇ·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">provokes you</span><br /><span class="heb">יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְךָ֗</span> <span class="translit">(yam·rî·ṣə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4834.htm">Strong's 4834: </a> </span><span class="str2">To press, to be pungent, vehement, to irritate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">continue testifying?</span><br /><span class="heb">תַעֲנֶֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯa·‘ă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/16-3.htm">OT Poetry: Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/16-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 16:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 16:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/16-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 16:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 16:4" /></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>