Job 23:4 - John Trapp Complete Commentary

Bible Comments

I would order [my] cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

Ver. 4. I would order my cause before him] I would not stick to approach to his tribunal, there to plead my cause (not against him, as being the supreme Judge, and not either plaintiff or defendant, but) against your false and wrongful accusations, which undoubtedly I would disprove and confute by many forcible and strong arguments (Beza).

And fill my mouth with arguments] Heb. Redargutions (ελεγχος ,) increpations, reprehensions. A good orator will first rightly lay down his cause, state the question, as we call it. 2. Confirm it with reasons. 3. Observe what is said to the contrary, and confute it. Job would do all this if he might have audience; but if to God all this, Job was much mistaken. And so at another time, when in a better mind, he could say, "Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge. If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me," &c., Job 9:15; Job 9:20 .

Job 23:4

4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.