Job 18:3

“Wherefore are we counted as beasts, etc.] This seems to refer to (<181207>Job 12:7); where Job sends them to the beasts, to get knowledge and instruction; and therefore it was concluded he reckoned them as such, and put them on a level with them, yea, made them inferior to them; or to (<181704>Job 17:4,10); where they are represented as destitute of wisdom and understanding, and therefore it is supposed were counted by Job no other than as beasts. Man, by the fall, is indeed become like them, and some are more brutish than they, and all are brutish as to spiritual knowledge and understanding; and those that are most sensible of themselves are ready to acknowledge their ignorance, that they…”

“beasts--alluding to what Job said (Job 12:7; so Isa 1:3). vile--rather from a Hebrew root, "to stop up." "Stubborn," answering to the stupidity implied in the parallel first clause [UMBREIT]. Why should we give occasion by your empty speeches for our being mutually reputed, in the sight of Job and one another, as unintelligent? (Job 17:4, Job 17:10).”

“Wherefore are we counted as beasts? - “Why are we treated in your remarks as if we had no sense, and were unworthy of sound argument in reply to what we say?” It is possible that there may be reference here to what Job said Job 12:7 - that even the beasts could give them information about God. But the general idea is, that Job had not treated their views with the attention which they deserved, but had regarded them as unworthy of notice. And reputed vile - The word used here (טמה ṭâmâh) means to be unclean, or polluted; and the idea is, that Job regarded them as worthless or impious. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Beasts - Ignorant, and stupid men, Job 17:4, Job 17:10. Job 18:4”

“Wherefore: Job 12:7, Job 12:8, Job 17:4, Job 17:10; Psa 73:22; Ecc 3:18; Rom 12:10 Job 18:4”