Job 6:25

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 6:25 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what doth it reprove?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what doth it reprove?
Job 6:25 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what doth it reprove?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“How forcible are right words! etc.] That are according to right reason; such as may be called strong reasons, or bony arguments, as in (<234121>Isaiah 41:21); there are strength and weight in such words, reasonings, and arguments; they bring evidence and conviction with them, and are very powerful to persuade the mind to an assent unto them, and have great influence to engage to a profession or practice of what they are used for; such are more especially the words of God, the Scriptures of truth, the doctrines of the Gospel; these are right words, (see <200806>Proverbs 8:6,8,9); they are not contrary to right reason, although above it; and are agreeably to sanctified reason, and received by…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And what will your arguings reprove?--literally, "the reproofs which proceed from you"; the emphasis is on you; you may find fault, who are not in my situation [UMBREIT].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“How forcible are right words! - How weighty and impressive are words of truth! Job means that he was accustomed to feel their power, and to admit it on his soul. If their words were such, he would listen to them with profound attention, and in silence. The expression has a proverbial cast. But what doth your arguing reprove? - Or rather, what doth the reproof from you reprove? or what do your reproaches prove? Job professes a readiness to listen to words of truth and wisdom; he complains that the language of reproach used by them was not adapted to instruct his understanding or to benefit his heart. As it was, he did not feel himself convinced, and was likely to derive no advantage from what…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Forcible - The words of truth have a marvellous power. Reprove - But there is no truth in your assertions or weight in your arguments. Job 6:26”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“forcible: Job 4:4, Job 16:5; Pro 12:18, Pro 16:21-24, Pro 18:21, Pro 25:11; Ecc 12:10, Ecc 12:11 what doth: Job 13:5, Job 16:3, Job 16:4, Job 21:34, Job 24:25, Job 32:3 Job 6:26”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification