16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

Other Translations of Job 33:16

New International Version

16 he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings,

English Standard Version

16 then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings,

The Message

16 God opens their ears and impresses them with warnings

New King James Version

16 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.

New Living Translation

16 He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 33:16

Commentary on Job 33:14-18

(Read Job 33:14-18)

God speaks to us by conscience, by providences, and by ministers; of all these Elihu discourses. There was not then, that we know of, any Divine revelation in writing, though now it is our principal guide. When God designs men's good, by the convictions and dictates of their own consciences, he opens the heart, as Lydia's, and opens the ears, so that conviction finds or forces its way in. The end and design of these admonitions are to keep men from sin, particularly the sin of pride. While sinners are pursuing evil purposes, and indulging their pride, their souls are hastening to destruction. That which turns men from sin, saves them from hell. What a mercy it is to be under the restraints of an awakened conscience!