Job 29:9

The princes refrained talking,.... Who were in court before Job came in, and were either talking with one another about indifferent matters, or were giving their opinion in a case before them; but no…

The princes refrained talking - As a mark of respect, or in awe of his presence. And laid their hand on their mouth - To lay the finger or the hand on the mouth is every where an action expressive of…

We have here Job in a post of honour and power. Though he had comfort enough in his own house, yet he did not confine himself to that. We are not born for ourselves, but for the public. When any…

The meaning seems to be that Job's arrival put a stop to speech and discussion already going on, which was not resumed until he should be heard.