If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?
If we try to talk with you, will you be upset? But who can keep themselves from speaking?
The speaker is asking if it's okay to offer advice, while admitting they feel compelled to say something despite worrying it might cause more pain.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Job, which is set in the ancient Near East during a time of patriarchal societies, Job has been struck by immense suffering and has just poured out his anguish in previous chapters. His friend Eliphaz, one of three comforters who came to sympathize with him, begins his speech by hesitantly asking if Job will be offended by his words, feeling an inner compulsion to share his thoughts. This reflects the cultural norm in biblical times where friends offered wisdom and counsel to those in distress, often drawing from traditional beliefs about suffering and divine justice.
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