Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 20:3

3. I have heard the check of my reproach and the spirit out of my understanding causeth me to answer .

From thy mouth. Or, shall I hear? to wit, with patience and without a reply? Who can endure it?

i. e. Thy shameful and opprobrious reproofs of us, as if we and all thy Friends were void of all humanity and natural affection towards thee, and were haters and cruel Persecuters and even Devourers of thee, Chap. 19. 19, 22. and as if we were guilty of most hainous Crimes, and might expect God's Vengeance upon us.

i. e. My Soul or Mind.

Or, because of (for so the Hebrew Mem oft signifies) my understanding; i. e. Out of, or because of that certain knowledge which I have of this matter from study and experience: I have not spoken, and I shall not speak out of ignorance, or prejudice, or passion and rage against Iob, as he asperseth us, but only what I evidently know, and yet hope that I can and shall convince thee of.

i. e. Forceth me to speak. Or, answereth for me; i. e. either vindicates me against thy Calumnies: or, suggesteth an answer to me.