Job 15:3
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 Version
To 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 Bible
Thou 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 Bible
Should 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 1917
Should 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, …

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Job 15
1. Eliphaz reproves Job for impiety in justifying himself
17. He proves by tradition the restlessness of wicked men














Should he argue
The phrase "should he argue" suggests a rhetorical question posed by Eliphaz, one of Job's friends. The Hebrew root for "argue" is "rib," which often implies a legal dispute or contention. In the context of Job, this reflects the ongoing debate between Job and his friends about the nature of suffering and divine justice. Eliphaz is questioning the validity of Job's arguments, implying that they are not only futile but also inappropriate in the face of divine wisdom. This challenges us to consider the weight and purpose of our words, especially when addressing profound spiritual matters.

with useless words
The term "useless" comes from the Hebrew "beliy," meaning without or lacking. Eliphaz accuses Job of speaking words that lack substance or value. In the broader biblical context, words are powerful and meant to edify, instruct, or comfort. The accusation here is that Job's words do none of these, instead contributing to confusion or discord. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle found in Proverbs 18:21, which teaches that "the tongue has the power of life and death," urging believers to speak with intention and wisdom.

or speeches that serve no purpose?
The phrase "speeches that serve no purpose" further emphasizes the futility Eliphaz sees in Job's discourse. The Hebrew word "sakan" can be translated as "to profit" or "to benefit," suggesting that Eliphaz views Job's speeches as lacking any constructive outcome. Historically, speeches and dialogues in ancient Near Eastern cultures were expected to convey wisdom, resolve disputes, or offer counsel. Eliphaz's critique implies that Job's speeches fail to meet these cultural and spiritual expectations. This invites reflection on the importance of ensuring our words align with God's truth and purpose, as echoed in Ephesians 4:29, which encourages speech that builds others up according to their needs.

(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 argue
הוֹכֵ֣חַ (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


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OT Poetry: Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk (Jb)
Job 15:2
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