Shall windy words have no end? or is it any trouble to thee to speak?
הֲקֵ֥ץ לְדִבְרֵי־ר֑וּחַ א֥וֹ מַה־יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְךָ֗ כִּ֣י תַעֲנֶֽה׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Job articulated this as an inquiry, not seeking validation in any way. He wondered, "Shall I accumulate words to contend with you? Or express disapproval? No. It is appropriate for the just to bear the burdens of others, rather than to oppress them or to argue cruelly, as you have done concerning my afflictions."
Will there ever be an end to empty words? Job 16:3. These are indeed ‘empty words,’ which ultimately serve to elevate the speaker for a brief moment rather than promote true righteousness. Consequently, the wicked can often utter ‘empty words’ even when they appear to be saying good things, as their speech is tainted by self-interest: although their words may seem just, they are ultimately aimed at self-aggrandizement. What then can we learn from the blessed Job, if not that one should be vigilant in ensuring he does not utter scolding words during another's time of sorrow?
While there may be circumstances that warrant correction, especially when it is deserved, such rebukes should be withheld during times of distress; otherwise, the comforter might inadvertently increase the pain he seeks to alleviate. Next, is there something that troubles you when you speak in this manner? Job 16:3. When the wicked hurl insults at those who are similar to them, they swiftly quiet down when they receive responses mirroring their own words. However, when they verbally attack the righteous, nothing hinders their slander. They launch their assaults against those who remain silent, believing they do not face any truth in return, unaware that a just man will not retaliate with abuse, even if falsely accused. Thus, he rightly inquires, is there something that torments you when you speak this way? As if to say directly to him, ‘You express these things because you hear nothing negative from me about your actions.’ Hence, it is further stated, I could also speak as you do. Job 16:4. The righteous one acknowledges that he could have responded in kind, yet he chooses to refrain from such speech to remain faithful to the truth. Thus it follows:
Just as Eliphaz expressed frustration at Job's unwillingness to acknowledge any wrongdoing that might have led to his afflictions, Job vehemently refutes the unfounded doubts of his companions, demonstrating their lack of comprehension regarding his justifications, as they have neither grasped nor endured his trials. In recounting his pain, Job attributes the source of his suffering to the Lord, yet he finds no fault within himself. He calls upon the earth, to which he will soon return, and God, who possesses all knowledge, as witnesses to his righteousness.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS