Job 17:5

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

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 "O God, pledge your support for me. Give it to me in writing, with your signature. You're the only one who can do it!

4 These people are so useless! You know firsthand how stupid they can be. You wouldn't let them have the last word, would you?

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

6 "God, you've made me the talk of the town - people spit in my face;

7 I can hardly see from crying so much; I'm nothing but skin and bones.