If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? rather, If one assay a word against thee' wilt thou be angry? Eliphaz feels that what he is about to say will be unwelcome, and, as it were, apologizes beforehand.
Surely Job will not be angry if a friend just ventures a word. But who can withhold himself from speaking? Let Job be angry or not, Eliphaz must speak. It is impossible to hear such words as Job has uttered, and yet keep silence.
God's wisdom and justice have been impugned, and must be vindicated.