Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 16:5

5. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief

i. e. Direct, and support, and comfort you.

i. e. My discourse should comfort you. The words, your grief, are here understood either out of the fore-going Clause, where they are implied: Or out of the next Verse, where they are expressed. Possibly the words may be thus rendred without any Ellipsis, which is most natural, if the Translation be true and suitable; Compassion (for the Hebrew word, nid, comes from nud, which signifies to condole) should restrain or govern my lips, that they should avoid all speeches which may ve[illegible: 1+ letters] you, and speak onely what may be to your comfort and benefit; whereas you let your Tongues loose to speak whatsoever pleaseth you, or tormenteth me.