| Geneva Study Bible Should a wise man utter {a} vain knowledge, and fill his belly {b} with the east wind? (a) That is, vain words, and without consolation? (b) Meaning, with matters that are of no importance, which are forgotten as soon as they are uttered, as the East wind dries up moisture as soon as it falls. Wesley's Notes 15:2 Fill - Satisfy his mind and conscience. East wind - With discourses not only unprofitable, but also pernicious both to himself and others; as the east - wind was in those parts. King James Translators' Notes vain...: Heb. knowledge of wind Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 2. a wise man-which Job claims to be. vain knowledge-Hebrew, "windy knowledge"; literally, "of wind" (Job 8:2). In Ec 1:14, Hebrew, "to catch wind," expresses to strive for what is vain. east wind-stronger than the previous "wind," for in that region the east wind is the most destructive of winds (Isa 27:8). Thus here,-empty violence. belly-the inward parts, the breast (Pr 18:8). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 15:1-16 Eliphaz begins a second attack upon Job, instead of being softened by his complaints. He unjustly charges Job with casting off the fear of God, and all regard to him, and restraining prayer. See in what religion is summed up, fearing God, and praying to him; the former the most needful principle, the latter the most needful practice. Eliphaz charges Job with self-conceit. He charges him with contempt of the counsels and comforts given him by his friends. We are apt to think that which we ourselves say is important, when others, with reason, think little of it. He charges him with opposition to God. Eliphaz ought not to have put harsh constructions upon the words of one well known for piety, and now in temptation. It is plain that these disputants were deeply convinced of the doctrine of original sin, and the total depravity of human nature. Shall we not admire the patience of God in bearing with us? and still more his love to us in the redemption of Christ Jesus his beloved Son? | 
