131 "Yes, I've seen all this with my own eyes, heard and understood it with my very own ears. 2 Everything you know, I know, so I'm not taking a back seat to any of you. 3 I'm taking my case straight to God Almighty; I've had it with you - I'm going directly to God. 4 You graffiti my life with lies. You're a bunch of pompous quacks! 5 I wish you'd shut your mouths - silence is your only claim to wisdom. 6 "Listen now while I make my case, consider my side of things for a change. 7 Or are you going to keep on lying 'to do God a service'? to make up stories 'to get him off the hook'? 8 Why do you always take his side? Do you think he needs a lawyer to defend himself? 9 How would you fare if you were in the dock? Your lies might convince a jury - but would they convince God? 10 He'd reprimand you on the spot if he detected a bias in your witness. 11 Doesn't his splendor put you in awe? Aren't you afraid to speak cheap lies before him? 12 Your wise sayings are knickknack wisdom, good for nothing but gathering dust.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 13:1-12
Commentary on Job 13:1-12
(Read Job 13:1-12)
With self-preference, Job declared that he needed not to be taught by them. Those who dispute are tempted to magnify themselves, and lower their brethren, more than is fit. When dismayed or distressed with the fear of wrath, the force of temptation, or the weight of affliction, we should apply to the Physician of our souls, who never rejects any, never prescribes amiss, and never leaves any case uncured. To Him we may speak at all times. To broken hearts and wounded consciences, all creatures, without Christ, are physicians of no value. Job evidently speaks with a very angry spirit against his friends. They had advanced some truths which nearly concerned Job, but the heart unhumbled before God, never meekly receives the reproofs of men.