Job reverses the accusation by questioning whether Eliphaz’s empty arguments will ever cease and what motivates him to keep speaking. By framing this as a question rather than a statement, Job invites Eliphaz to examine his own motives while exposing the futility of his counsel.

God does not respond at this point in the narrative. Job continues his speech, stating that he could speak as his friends do if their positions were reversed, but he would instead strengthen them with his mouth and offer comfort (Job 16:4-5).

Job’s double question cuts to the heart of failed comfort. The phrase windy words translates the Hebrew divrey-ruach, literally words of wind or spirit, suggesting speech that is insubstantial, empty of real help. Job asks when such talk will end, implying it has already gone on far too long. His second question probes Eliphaz’s motivation: what emboldens or provokes you to keep answering? The Hebrew verb marats means to embitter or provoke, suggesting that something beyond genuine concern drives Eliphaz’s relentless speeches. Job frames these as questions rather than accusations to force self-examination, a rhetorical strategy that exposes the hollowness of his friends’ approach. The theological weight here is profound: even correct doctrine can become windy words when divorced from compassion, and persistence in argument is not the same as faithfulness in friendship.