Bible Strands
Job 13:5
If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Job addresses his three friends during a heated exchange, interrupting their counsel to demand they stop speaking.
The words — The Hebrew uses יִתֵּן (yitten, "will he give") and תַּחֲרִישׁוּן (tacharishun, "you will be silent") to frame quiet restraint as a standard. The phrase לְחָכְמָה (lechachmah, "for wisdom") explicitly states that remaining silent would count as their only true wisdom.
The thread — This equation of silence with wisdom appears in Proverbs 17:28 and reappears in Job 13:13 when Job commands his friends to be quiet. It also parallels the New Testament directive in James 1:19 to be slow to speak.
Why it lands — The text states that the friends' continued arguments are unhelpful and that quiet restraint would actually serve them better. It asks the reader to recognize that measured silence often carries more weight than persuasive but empty speech.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
- James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
- Job 13:13 Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.
- Ecclesiastes 5:3 As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.
- Job 11:3 Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke?
- Job 16:3 Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?
- Job 18:2 “How long until you end these speeches? Show some sense, and then we can talk.
- Job 19:2 “How long will you torment me and crush me with your words?
- Job 21:2 “Listen carefully to my words; let this be your consolation to me.
- Job 32:1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.