Job 17:5

5 If anyone denounces their friends for reward, the eyes of their children will fail.

Job 17:5 in Other Translations

5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.

5 He who informs against his friends to get a share of their property-- the eyes of his children will fail.

5 They betray their friends for their own advantage, so let their children faint with hunger.

5 Those who betray their own friends leave a legacy of abuse to their children.

5 If a man informs on his friends for a price, the eyes of his children will 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 “Give me, O God, the pledge you demand. Who else will put up security for me?

4 You have closed their minds to understanding; therefore you will not let them triumph.

5 If anyone denounces their friends for reward, the eyes of their children will fail.

6 “God has made me a byword to everyone, a man in whose face people spit.

7 My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow.

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 22:15
• 2. S Job 11:20