Doth not the ear discern words, and the palate of him that eateth, the taste?
הֲלֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽוֹ׃
4 Church Fathers comment on this verse
It signifies this: "If those without speech comprehend it, how much more should we, who possess reason and not merely a voice to consume like others." Alternatively, "I am not devoid of understanding; I recognize this. For just as God has granted us the ability to vocalize and distinguish nourishment, He has also bestowed upon us the intellect to make choices and the opportunity to gain wisdom."
The ear comprehends spoken words, while the mouth enjoys the flavors. It is well-known that our five senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch—derive their ability to perceive and discern from the brain. Although there is one governing judge, the perceiving brain, that processes signals from each sense, it maintains the distinctiveness of all five. It is indeed a marvelous work of God that the eye does not hear, the ear does not see, the mouth does not smell, and the hand does not taste, even though they are all under the control of a single brain. Nonetheless, each sense can only fulfill the role given to it by the Creator.
Similarly, we should contemplate the external arrangements of our bodies to grasp the inner spiritual truths, recognizing that while we possess one Wisdom, it reveals itself differently in each individual. Each person is bestowed with unique gifts—one with wisdom, another with knowledge, a third with linguistic skills, and yet another with the ability to heal.
In the words of the blessed Job, when he expresses that the ear discerns words and the mouth savors, he also hints at a distinction between the saved and the lost. The words of wisdom heard by the unrepentant are only grasped superficially, while the elect not only hear but also savor them, as these truths penetrate their hearts. For it is one thing to be aware of nourishment, and another entirely to experience its taste. The elect perceive the taste of wisdom instantly, filling their hearts with joy from love, while the knowledge of the rejected is confined to mere sound recognition. They may hear virtuous teachings, but due to the numbness of their hearts, they fail to grasp their true essence. Through these same words, Job highlights the naivety of his companions and those who boast of their wisdom, affirming that knowing about God differs fundamentally from truly experiencing Him. Thus, he rightly states that the ear discerns words, and the mouth savors flavor. In essence, he implies that the teachings received through the ear are as rich in flavor to me as they are to the mouth. However, recognizing that a certain level of maturity is required for preaching, and that one should not rush hastily into proclamation, he fittingly adds:
Ponder whether understanding is granted to those who cannot speak: Indeed, inquire of the cattle, and they will instruct you. The text makes it evident that neither mute nor lifeless beings possess the insight to comprehend the ways of Divine Providence; knowledge belongs solely to those who possess reason. The illustration suggests that just as the larynx perceives flavor, the intellect perceives articulate expression and the fundamental essence of creation. "Thus, reflect on these matters as well," he could have advised his companions, "and you will uncover the reasons behind my plight."
Job is disturbed by his friends’ exclusive claims to wisdom and their inability to recognize that joy does not necessarily accompany righteousness in life. He highlights that the lives of all beings and the destinies of humanity are under God’s sovereign control. Furthermore, he points out that even the wise elders, whom his friends rely upon for validation, have penned a hymn that acknowledges God's providential role in shaping the destinies of all individuals, regardless of their strength, nobility, or wisdom.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS