Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. The ear trieth words ] I do not think, with Calmet, that the inward ear, or judgment, is meant simply. The Asiatics valued themselves on the nice and harmonious collection of words, both in speaking and in writing; and perhaps it will be found here that Elihu labours as much for harmonious versification as for pious and weighty sentiments. To connect sense with sound was an object of general pursuit among the Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian poets; and so fond are the latter of euphony, that they often sacrifice both sense and sentiment to it; and some of the Greek poets are not exempt from this fault.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart i sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoke as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleanse my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, P 73:13-15, but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
Original Hebrew כי3588 אזן241 מלין4405 תבחן974 וחך2441 יטעם2938 לאכל׃398
