Definition: How long wilt thou speak these [things]? and [how long shall] the words of thy mouth [be like] a strong wind?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 8:2 together. It’s a really profound and thought-provoking passage about wisdom and its relationship to God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that wisdom – or intelligent understanding – has limitations. It's like saying, "This knowledge you have, while valuable, won’t last forever." Let’s unpack each part: “How long wilt thou speak these [things]?” - This refers to the words of someone who possesses wisdom. It’s asking if this person will continue to talk and offer opinions for a long time. “Will” implies a limited timeframe – it's not saying they’ll never speak, but that their words won't last indefinitely. “And how long shall the words of thy mouth [be like] a strong wind?” - This is where it gets really powerful. "Words of thy mouth" represents the power and influence of speech – opinions, ideas, proclamations, etc. The phrase “like a strong wind” means these words will not remain stable or enduring. They will quickly fade away. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Job is expressing concern about the potential for wisdom to be fleeting and unreliable. He's questioning if the person speaking these things – perhaps someone who is boastful, argumentative, or prone to making grand pronouncements – can truly hold their own in the long run. The verse suggests that true wisdom – a deep understanding of God’s plan and purpose – will ultimately outlast any fleeting words. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Seek deeper understanding: Don't just focus on what someone says, but also why they say it. True wisdom comes from a foundation of truth and a connection to the divine. Value lasting truths: We should be mindful of the impact our words have – they can ripple outwards and affect others. --- Would you like me to explain any of these concepts in more detail, or perhaps explore how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible? For example, we could talk about: The concept of “wisdom” as God has given us. How wisdom is often associated with a relationship with God.