Job 20:2

Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost.

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. hasty...: Heb. short of spirit

I said in my haste, All men are liars.

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man. Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches. directed: or, ordered They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking. left...: Heb. removed speeches from themselves When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion. For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. matter: Heb. words spirit...: Heb. spirit of my belly Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. hath...: Heb. is not opened I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. be...: Heb. breathe

For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. words: or, matters?

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. stirred: Heb. troubled My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,

And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: