Job 5:12-22

12 He stops those who are tricky from doing what they plan to do. The work of their hands doesn't succeed.

13 Some people think they are so wise. But God catches them in their own tricks. He sweeps away the evil plans of sinful people.

14 Darkness covers them in the daytime. At noon they feel their way around as if it were night.

15 God saves needy people from the cutting words of their enemies. He saves them from their powerful hands.

16 So those who are poor have hope. And God shuts the mouths of people who don't treat others fairly.

17 "Blessed is the person God corrects. So don't hate the Mighty One's training.

18 He wounds. But he also bandages up those he wounds. He harms. But his hands also heal those he harms.

19 From six troubles he will save you. Even if you are in trouble seven times, no harm will come to you.

20 When there isn't enough food, God will keep you from dying. When you go into battle, he won't let a sword strike you down.

21 He will keep you safe from words that can hurt you. You won't need to be afraid when everything is being destroyed.

22 You will laugh when things are being destroyed. You will enjoy life even when there isn't enough food. You won't be afraid of wild animals.

Job 5:12-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 5

In this chapter Eliphaz goes on to prove, and further confirm and establish, what he had before asserted, that not good men, but wicked men only, are afflicted of God, at least greatly, so as to have their substance wholly destroyed and perish, which was Job's case; and this partly from the case, state, and sentiments of all the saints, Job 5:1,2; and from his own observation and experience, Job 5:3-5; and then he proceeds to give some advice; and seeing afflictions do not come by chance, but are of God, it is right in such circumstances for a man to seek to the Lord for pardon and salvation, and commit his cause unto him, Job 5:6-8; who does many great things in a providential way to the good of man in general, and to the disappointment of wicked crafty men, and to the serving of the poor in particular, Job 5:9-16; so that it is best patiently to bear the afflicting hand of God, and it is an happiness to be corrected by him, since he delivers such out of all their troubles, and preserves them from many evils, and bestows many good things on them; which would be Job's case particularly, if he behaved according to the advice given, and which is left with him to consider of, Job 5:17-27.