Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Would they argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value? New Living Translation The wise don’t engage in empty chatter. What good are such words? English Standard Version Should he argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which he can do no good? Berean Standard Bible Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose? King James Bible Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? New King James Version Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or by speeches with which he can do no good? New American Standard Bible “Should he argue with useless talk, Or with words which do not benefit? NASB 1995 “Should he argue with useless talk, Or with words which are not profitable? NASB 1977 “Should he argue with useless talk, Or with words which are not profitable? Legacy Standard Bible Should he argue with a word that cannot be used, Or with speech which is not profitable? Amplified Bible “Should he rebuke and argue with useless talk? Or with words in which there is no benefit? Christian Standard Bible Should he argue with useless talk or with words that serve no good purpose? Holman Christian Standard Bible Should he argue with useless talk or with words that serve no good purpose? American Standard Version Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? Contemporary English Version you would stop spreading all of this hot air. English Revised Version Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? GOD'S WORD® Translation Should he argue with words that don't help, with speeches that don't help [anyone]? Good News Translation No one who is wise would talk the way you do or defend himself with such meaningless words. International Standard Version Should he engage in unprofitable argument, or give a speech that benefits no one? Majority Standard Bible Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose? NET Bible Does he argue with useless talk, with words that have no value in them? New Heart English Bible Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good? Webster's Bible Translation Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches with which he can do no good? World English Bible Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTo reason with a word not useful? And speeches—no profit in them? Young's Literal Translation To reason with a word not useful? And speeches -- no profit in them? Smith's Literal Translation Reproving with words he shall not profit, and speeches will be of no use in them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThou reprovest him by words, who is not equal to thee, and thou speakest that which is not good for thee. Catholic Public Domain Version You rebuke with words he who is not equal to you, and you speak what is not expedient for you, New American Bible Does he argue in speech that does not avail, and in words that are to no profit? New Revised Standard Version Should they argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which they can do no good? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleShould he admonish with unprofitable talk, or with words that are worthless? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated To conceal words that are not useful and with words without profit in them? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? Brenton Septuagint Translation reasoning with improper sayings, and with words wherein is no profit? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God…2“Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? 3Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose? 4But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him.… Cross References Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. Proverbs 17:27-28 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. Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 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. James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Matthew 12:36-37 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.” Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. Ephesians 4:29 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. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 1 Timothy 1:6-7 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. 2 Timothy 2:16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. Proverbs 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Treasury of Scripture Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches with which he can do no good? he reason Job 13:4,5 But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value… Job 16:2,3 I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all… Job 26:1-3 But Job answered and said, … Jump to Previous Argue Arguments Good Profit Profitable Reason Reasoning Sayings Speeches Talk Unprofitable Useful Useless Value Wherewith Word WordsJump to Next Argue Arguments Good Profit Profitable Reason Reasoning Sayings Speeches Talk Unprofitable Useful Useless Value Wherewith Word WordsJob 15 1. Eliphaz reproves Job for impiety in justifying himself17. He proves by tradition the restlessness of wicked men Should he argue with useless words 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 Proverbs 10:19, which warns against the multitude of words leading to sin, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful speech. or speeches that serve no purpose? Persons / Places / Events 1. Eliphaz the TemaniteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, challenging his responses to their counsel. 2. Job The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. 3. Teman A region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, suggesting he is considered wise and knowledgeable. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords 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. Purposeful Communication 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. Listening Before Speaking 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. Self-Reflection in Suffering 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? Wisdom in Counsel 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.(3) Should he reason with unprofitable talk?--Nay, his arguments, though pretentious and apparently recondite, are unprofitable, and can do no good.Verse 3. - Should he reason with unprofitable talk! 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. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Should he argueהוֹכֵ֣חַ (hō·w·ḵê·aḥ) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 3198: To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict with useless לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no words בְּ֭דָבָר (bə·ḏā·ḇār) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause or speeches וּ֝מִלִּ֗ים (ū·mil·lîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4405: A word, a discourse, a topic that serve no לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no purpose? יוֹעִ֥יל (yō·w·‘îl) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3276: To confer or gain profit or benefit Links Job 15:3 NIVJob 15:3 NLT Job 15:3 ESV Job 15:3 NASB Job 15:3 KJV Job 15:3 BibleApps.com Job 15:3 Biblia Paralela Job 15:3 Chinese Bible Job 15:3 French Bible Job 15:3 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk (Jb) |
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