Job 29:9

Hebrew Bible

7 When I went out to the city gate and secured my seat in the public square, 8 the young men would see me and step aside, and the old men would get up and remain standing; 9 the chief men refrained from talking and covered their mouths with their hands; 10 the voices of the nobles fell silent, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. 11 “As soon as the ear heard these things, it blessed me, and when the eye saw them, it bore witness to me;

Wisdom of Solomon 8:12

Deuterocanon

10 Because of her I shall have glory among the multitudes and honor in the presence of the elders, though I am young. 11 I shall be found keen in judgment, and in the sight of rulers I shall be admired. 12 When I am silent they will wait for me, and when I speak they will give heed; if I speak at greater length, they will put their hands on their mouths. 13 Because of her I shall have immortality, and leave an everlasting remembrance to those who come after me. 14 I shall govern peoples, and nations will be subject to me;

 Notes and References

"... Job expects their silent attention when he himself speaks (Job 13:13, 17). Later on, he reminds his friends of previous times, when he still received respect from the community. In the past, when he spoke people were silently listening to him (Job 29:9-10, 21-22). It is quite clear that Job considered himself a wise king whose argument could not be countered. What should be avoided above all is self-praise ... According to the Wisdom of Solomon 8:12 other rulers will wait for the king to resume when he falls silent and will put their hands to their mouth when he speaks at length ..."

Korpel, Marjo C. A. The Silent God (pp. 94-95) Brill, 2011

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