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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 15:3 Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/15-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/18_Job_15_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 15:3 - Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose?" /><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/15-3.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/15-3.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/15.htm">Chapter 15</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/15-2.htm" title="Job 15:2">◄</a> Job 15:3 <a href="/job/15-4.htm" title="Job 15:4">►</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/15.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/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Would they argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The wise don’t engage in empty chatter. What good are such words?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Should he argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which he can do no good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or by speeches with which he can do no good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Should he argue with useless talk, Or with words which do not benefit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Should he argue with useless talk, Or with words which are not profitable?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Should he argue with useless talk, Or with words which are not profitable?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Should he argue with a word that cannot be used, Or with speech which is not profitable?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Should he rebuke <i>and</i> argue with useless talk? Or with words in which there is no benefit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should he argue with useless talk or with words that serve no good purpose?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should he argue with useless talk or with words that serve no good purpose? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />you would stop spreading all of this hot air. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Should he argue with words that don't help, with speeches that don't help [anyone]?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />No one who is wise would talk the way you do or defend himself with such meaningless words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Should he engage in unprofitable argument, or give a speech that benefits no one?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Does he argue with useless talk, with words that have no value in them? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches with which he can do no good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To reason with a word not useful? And speeches—no profit in them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To reason with a word not useful? And speeches -- no profit in them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Reproving with words he shall not profit, and speeches will be of no use in them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou reprovest him by words, who is not equal to thee, and thou speakest that which is not good for thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You rebuke with words he who is not equal to you, and you speak what is not expedient for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Does he argue in speech that does not avail, and in words that are to no profit? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Should they argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which they can do no good?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Should he admonish with unprofitable talk, or with words that are worthless?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />To conceal words that are not useful and with words without profit in them?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />reasoning with improper sayings, and with words wherein is no profit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/15-3.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=2258" 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/15.htm">Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3198.htm" title="3198: hō·w·ḵê·aḥ (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To decide, adjudge, prove. A primitive root; to be right; reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict.">Should he argue</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">with useless</a> <a href="/hebrew/5532.htm" title="5532: yis·kō·wn (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: bə·ḏā·ḇār (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words</a> <a href="/hebrew/4405.htm" title="4405: ū·mil·lîm (Conj-w:: N-fp) -- A word, speech, utterance. From malal">or speeches</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">that serve no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3276.htm" title="3276: yō·w·‘îl (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To confer or gain profit or benefit. A primitive root; properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable.">purpose?</a> <a href="/hebrew/bām (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him.…<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/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 17:27-28</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / 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="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2-3</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. / 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="/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/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/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="/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="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">1 Timothy 1:6-7</a></span><br />Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. / They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16</a></span><br />But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a></span><br />But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a></span><br />A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches with which he can do no good?</p><p class="hdg">he reason</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-4.htm">Job 13:4,5</a></b></br> But ye <i>are</i> forgers of lies, ye <i>are</i> all physicians of no value… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-2.htm">Job 16:2,3</a></b></br> I have heard many such things: miserable comforters <i>are</i> ye all… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/26-1.htm">Job 26:1-3</a></b></br> But Job answered and said, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/13-15.htm">Argue</a> <a href="/job/9-14.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/job/13-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/job/10-3.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/esther/5-13.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/job/13-3.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/job/13-6.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/job/13-12.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/job/6-26.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/job/13-7.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Unprofitable</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-7.htm">Useful</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-21.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/job/15-2.htm">Value</a> <a href="/job/3-20.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/job/13-17.htm">Word</a> <a href="/job/13-17.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Argue</a> <a href="/job/20-3.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/job/20-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/job/20-18.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/job/22-2.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/job/17-7.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/job/32-11.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/job/22-22.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/job/16-3.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/job/18-2.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Unprofitable</a> <a href="/job/22-2.htm">Useful</a> <a href="/job/31-40.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/job/24-25.htm">Value</a> <a href="/job/21-27.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/job/15-11.htm">Word</a> <a href="/job/15-11.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Job 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/15-1.htm">Eliphaz reproves Job for impiety in justifying himself</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/15-17.htm">He proves by tradition the restlessness of wicked men</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/15.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/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Should he argue with useless words</b><br>This phrase reflects the ongoing debate between Job and his friends, particularly Eliphaz, who is speaking in this chapter. The term "useless words" suggests a critique of Job's responses, implying they lack substance or value. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, wisdom and eloquence were highly valued, and speech was expected to reflect one's understanding of divine and moral order. Eliphaz accuses Job of speaking without wisdom, which is a serious charge in a society that esteemed wise discourse. This accusation can be connected to <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a>, which warns against the multitude of words leading to sin, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful speech.<p><b>or speeches that serve no purpose?</b><br>Eliphaz's criticism here is that Job's speeches are not only lacking in wisdom but also fail to achieve any constructive outcome. In the historical context, speeches and dialogues were often used to resolve disputes or impart wisdom. Eliphaz implies that Job's words are futile and do not contribute to understanding or resolving his plight. This reflects a broader biblical theme found in <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a>, which advises against hasty words before God, highlighting the importance of meaningful and purposeful communication. Theologically, this can be seen as a call to align one's speech with divine wisdom, a concept that finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>), embodying perfect wisdom and purpose in His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/eliphaz_the_temanite.htm">Eliphaz the Temanite</a></b><br>One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, challenging his responses to their counsel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/teman.htm">Teman</a></b><br>A region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, suggesting he is considered wise and knowledgeable.<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 build up or tear down. Eliphaz challenges Job to consider the impact and purpose of his words. As believers, we should strive to speak words that edify and bring life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purposeful_communication.htm">Purposeful Communication</a></b><br>Our communication should be intentional and meaningful. Eliphaz's critique serves as a reminder to avoid empty rhetoric and focus on speech that aligns with God's truth and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_before_speaking.htm">Listening Before Speaking</a></b><br>Eliphaz's rebuke highlights the importance of listening and understanding before responding. In our interactions, we should prioritize listening to others and seeking God's guidance before speaking.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-reflection_in_suffering.htm">Self-Reflection in Suffering</a></b><br>Job's situation encourages us to reflect on our responses during trials. Are our words and attitudes reflective of faith and trust in God, or are they driven by frustration and despair?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_counsel.htm">Wisdom in Counsel</a></b><br>Eliphaz, though misguided in his assumptions about Job, reminds us of the value of seeking wise counsel. However, it is crucial to discern and weigh advice against God's Word.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job_15_34-35_align_with_god's_mercy.htm">In Job 15:34-35, how can the harsh depiction of divine judgment be squared with other biblical passages emphasizing God's mercy (e.g., Psalm 103:8)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_elihu_suddenly_introduced.htm">Job 32:1-5 - Why does the text abruptly introduce a new character (Elihu) who wasn't mentioned before, and is this consistent with the earlier chapters?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_god's_direct_talk_with_job.htm">Job 40:1-5: What historical or archaeological evidence supports such a direct, extended conversation between God and a single individual like Job?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_job_15_14-16_and_genesis_1_31_align.htm">In Job 15:14-16, how do Eliphaz's claims about universal impurity align with Genesis 1:31, which pronounces creation 'very good'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Should he reason with unprofitable talk?</span>--Nay, his arguments, though pretentious and apparently recondite, are unprofitable, and can do no good.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Should he reason with unprofitable talk!</span> Such, Eliphaz implies, had been Job's talk, altogether idle and unprofitable. A wise man should have abstained from such profitless arguments. They were speeches wherewith he could do no good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/15-3.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">Should he argue</span><br /><span class="heb">הוֹכֵ֣חַ</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w·ḵê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3198.htm">Strong's 3198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with useless</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭דָבָר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḏā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<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">or speeches</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝מִלִּ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mil·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4405.htm">Strong's 4405: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a discourse, a topic</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that serve no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">purpose?</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹעִ֥יל</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·‘îl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3276.htm">Strong's 3276: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confer or gain profit or benefit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/15-3.htm">OT Poetry: Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/15-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 15:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 15:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/15-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 15:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 15:4" /></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>