Job 11:11-20

11 For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins.
12 An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.
13 “If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer!
14 Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.
15 Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear.
16 You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away.
17 Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning.
18 Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.
19 You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.
20 But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.”

Job 11:11-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 11

In this chapter Zophar the Naamathite, Job's third friend, attacks him, and the with great acrimony and severity, and with much indecency; he charges him not only with loquacity, and vain babbling, but with lying, and with scoffing at God, and good men, Job 11:1-3; which he attempts to support by some things Job had said, misrepresented by him, Job 11:4; and wishes that God would take him in hand, and convince him of the wisdom of the divine proceedings with him, and of his lenity and mercy to him, Job 11:5,6; and then discourses of the unsearchableness of God in his counsels, and conduct; of his sovereignty, and of his power, and of the vanity and folly of men, Job 11:7-19; and as his friends before him, having insinuated that Job was guilty of some heinous sin, or sins, and especially of hypocrisy, advises him to repentance and reformation, and then it would be well with him; and he should enjoy much comfort, peace, and safety, even to old age, Job 11:13-19; and concludes it should go ill with the wicked man and the hypocrite, such as he suggests Job was, Job 11:20.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or than a wild male donkey can bear a tame colt.
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