Job 15:3
Job 15:3 in Multiple Translations
Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose?
Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
Will he make arguments with words in which is no profit, and with sayings which have no value?
He wouldn't argue with unprofitable speeches using words that do no good.
Shall he dispute with wordes not comely? or with talke that is not profitable?
To reason with a word not useful? And speeches — no profit in them?
Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good?
Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches with which he can do no good?
Thou reprovest him by words, who is not equal to thee, and thou speakest that which is not good for thee.
You should not [RHQ] be saying things that do not benefit anyone, using words that do no one any good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 15:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 15:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הוֹכֵ֣חַ
בְּ֭/דָבָר
לֹ֣א
יִסְכּ֑וֹן
וּ֝/מִלִּ֗ים
לֹא
יוֹעִ֥יל
בָּֽ/ם
הוֹכֵ֣חַ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
V-Hiphil-Ptc
בְּ֭/דָבָר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִסְכּ֑וֹן
çâkan
H5532
be useful
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ֝/מִלִּ֗ים
millâh
H4405
speech
Conj | N-fp
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יוֹעִ֥יל
yaʻal
H3276
to gain
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 15:3
הוֹכֵ֣חַ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
בְּ֭/דָבָר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִסְכּ֑וֹן
çâkan
H5532
"be useful"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be useful or serve someone, like a steward helping their master. It appears in various forms, including being profitable or customary. In the Bible, it is used to describe being of benefit to others.
Definition: 1) to be of use or service or profit or benefit 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be of use or service 1a2) servitor, steward (participle) 1a3) to benefit, profit 1b) (Hiphil) to be used, be wont, exhibit use or habit, show harmony with, be familiar with, know intimately
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: acquaint (self), be advantage, [idiom] ever, (be, (un-)) profit(-able), treasurer, be wont. See also: Numbers 22:30; Job 22:21; Psalms 139:3.
וּ֝/מִלִּ֗ים
millâh
H4405
"speech"
Conj | N-fp
This Hebrew word means a word or speech, and can also refer to a topic or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what people say or talk about.
Definition: word, speech, utterance Aramaic equivalent: mil.lah (מִלָּה "word" H4406)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to speak(-ing), speak, talking, word. See also: 2 Samuel 23:2; Job 30:9; Psalms 19:5.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יוֹעִ֥יל
yaʻal
H3276
"to gain"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to gain or ascend, and can also mean to be valuable or beneficial. It is used in various forms in the Bible to convey the idea of profit or advantage.
Definition: (Hiphil) to gain, profit, benefit, avail
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, set forward, can do good, (be, have) profit, (able). See also: 1 Samuel 12:21; Isaiah 44:10; Proverbs 10:2.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 15:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 15:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 15:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 15:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 15:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 15:3
- Sermons on Job 15:3
Context — Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
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. 5For your iniquity instructs your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 4:6 | Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. |
| 2 | 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.” |
| 3 | Job 13:4–5 | You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! |
| 4 | Malachi 3:13–15 | “Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’” |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 6:4–5 | he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. |
| 6 | Job 26:1–3 | Then Job answered: “How you have helped the powerless and saved the arm that is feeble! How you have counseled the unwise and provided fully sound insight! |
| 7 | Job 16:2–3 | “I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all. Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying? |
Job 15:3 Summary
This verse is asking if it's wise to use words that don't have any real meaning or purpose. Eliphaz is saying that a wise person should think before they speak and make sure their words are helpful, not just empty talk (as seen in Proverbs 15:1). We can apply this to our own lives by being mindful of what we say and making sure our words are kind, truthful, and edifying to others (as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29). By doing so, we can build each other up and create positive conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point Eliphaz is trying to make in this verse?
Eliphaz is emphasizing the importance of speaking wisely and avoiding useless words, as seen in Job 15:3, which is a principle also taught in Proverbs 10:32 and Ecclesiastes 5:2.
Is Eliphaz suggesting that Job is speaking useless words?
Yes, Eliphaz is implying that Job's words are empty and lack purpose, which is why he asks if a wise man should argue with such words, as stated in Job 15:3, similar to the warning in 1 Corinthians 1:20 against human wisdom that is void of God's truth.
How does this verse relate to our everyday conversations?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and to speak with purpose, as instructed in Colossians 4:6, and to avoid speaking empty or hurtful words, which can be damaging to others, as warned in Ephesians 4:29.
What is the significance of Eliphaz's question about arguing with useless words?
Eliphaz's question highlights the importance of discerning the value of our words and avoiding arguments that lack substance or edification, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:14 and Titus 3:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can evaluate the usefulness of my words before speaking?
- How can I ensure that my conversations are edifying and purposeful, rather than empty or hurtful?
- In what situations do I find myself speaking useless words, and how can I change this pattern?
- What would happen if I applied the principle of speaking with purpose, as seen in Job 15:3, to all my interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Job 15:3
Should he reason with unprofitable talk?.... That is, the wise man, such a man as Job; does it become him to talk such idle stuff?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:3
Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:3
Either to himself or others, but much hurt; which is implied by the contrary, as is usual.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:3
Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?Ver. 3. Should he reason with unprofitable talk?] Why? But if he do, should he, therefore, be thus rippled up, and roughly hewen? And not rather reduced and rectified with hard arguments and soft words? Man is a cross crabbed creature: Duci vult, trahi non vult, Persuade him you may; compel him you cannot. A fit time also must be taken to persuade him to better, for else you may lose your sweet words upon him. The husbandman soweth not in a storm; the mariner hoisteth not sail in every wind; good physicians evacuate not the body in extremity of heat and cold. "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city," Proverbs 18:19. This Eliphaz should have considered, and not so rashly censured Job for a fool, and his talk for trash, but rather handled him tenderly, considering his condition, and desired him to explain such of his speeches as he thought not so well and wisely uttered. Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?] This is but the same with the former; and indeed this whole verse is but a saying of that plainly which in the foregoing verse he had said figuratively.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 15:3
(3) Should he reason with unprofitable talk?—Nay, his arguments, though pretentious and apparently recondite, are unprofitable, and can do no good.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:3
Verse 3. Should he reason with unprofitable talk?] Should a man talk disrespectfully of his Maker, or speak to him without reverence? and should he suppose that he has proved any thing, when he has uttered words of little meaning, and used sound instead of sense?
Cambridge Bible on Job 15:3
3. Should he reason] Or, will he reason, or better, reasoning with unprofitable talk. The verse is subordinate to the last, carrying out its idea.
Barnes' Notes on Job 15:3
Should he reason with unprofitable talk? - It does not become a man professing to be wise to make use of words that are nothing to the purpose. The sense is, that what Job said amounted to just nothing.
Sermons on Job 15:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
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Building Up My Brother's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of not calling anything that God has cleansed common or unclean. He shares that he has been convicted by the Holy Spirit about the |
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The Foremost Proof of Holiness by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his early days of preaching with great zeal but little wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of having both wisdom and fire in one's faith. |
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The Do's and Don'ts of Witnessing to Cults by Walter Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having Christ enthroned in our hearts and lives before defending the Christian Gospel. He shares a personal story of a youn |
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Building Communication Skills by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love, as taught in Ephesians 4:15. He highlights the balanced approach of Jesus, who spoke the truth |
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(Prophecy) Prophecy in the Old Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker warns against false prophets who take advantage of people by claiming to have private prophecies for them. He emphasizes the need to be cautious and dis |
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04 Building Fellowship as Husband & Wife by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's order in earthly families as a foundation for building the church. It contrasts the focus on family in the New Testament with the lac |