Job 16:3

“Shall vain words have an end? etc.] Or “words of wind” f641, vain empty words, great swelling words of vanity, mere bubbles that look big, and have nothing in them; here Job retorts what Eliphaz had insinuated concerning him and his words, (<181502>Job 15:2,3); and he intimates such worthless discourses should have an end, and a speedy one, and not be carried on to any length, they not bearing it; and wishes they were at an end, that he might hear no more of them; and suggests that it was weak and foolish in them to continue them; that if they could speak to no better purpose, it would be best to be silent: or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest? when men are engaged in a good cause,…”

“"Words of wind," Hebrew. He retorts upon Eliphaz his reproach (Job 15:2). emboldeneth--literally, "What wearies you so that ye contradict?" that is, What have I said to provoke you? &c. [SCHUTTENS]. Or, as better accords with the first clause, "Wherefore do ye weary yourselves contradicting?" [UMBREIT].”

“Shall vain words? - Margin, As in Hebrew words of wind; that is, words which were devoid of thought-light, trifling. This is a retort on Eliphaz. He had charged Job Job 15:2-3 with uttering only such words. Such forms of expression are common in the East. “His promise, it is only wind.” “Breath, breath: all breath.” Roberts. Or what emboldeneth thee? - “What provokes or irritates thee, that thou dost answer in this manner? What have I said, that has given occasion to such a speech - a speech so severe and unkind?” The Syriac reads this, “do not afflict me any more with speeches; for if you speak any more, I will not answer you.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“End - When wilt thou put an end to these impertinent discourses? He retorts upon him his charge, Job 15:2-3. Job 16:7”

“vain words: Heb. words of wind, Job 6:26, Job 8:2, Job 15:2 what emboldeneth: Job 20:3, Job 32:3-6; Mat 22:46; Tit 1:11, Tit 2:8 Job 16:4”