Job 17:5

5 He denounces his friends for gain, and his children's eyes fail.

Job 17:5 Meaning and Commentary

Job 17:5

He that speaketh flattery to [his] friends
As Job's friends did to him when they promised great outward prosperity, and a restoration to his former state, and to a greater affluence upon his repentance and reformation; or when they spoke deceitfully for God, pretending great regard to the honour of his justice and holiness, and therefore insisted on it that he must be a wicked man and an hypocrite, that was afflicted by him, as Job was:

even the eyes of his children shall fail;
so hateful are some sins to God, and particularly deceitful tongues, and flattering lips, that he will punish them in their posterity; the eyes of their children shall fail for want of sustenance, and while they are looking in vain for salvation and deliverance out of trouble, see ( Exodus 20:4 ) .

Job 17:5 In-Context

3 Take my guarantee. Who else is willing to make an agreement?
4 You've closed their mind to insight; therefore, you won't be exalted.
5 He denounces his friends for gain, and his children's eyes fail.
6 He makes me a popular proverb; I'm like spit in people's faces.
7 My eye is weak from grief; my limbs like a shadow—all of them.
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