Job 34:7

7 "What man is like Job, Who ¹drinks up derision like water,

Job 34:7 Meaning and Commentary

Job 34:7

What man [is] like Job
This is said as wondering at the part he acted, that a man so wise and good as Job was esteemed to be should behave in such a manner as he did;

[who] drinketh up scorning like water?
For a foolish and wicked man to do so is not strange nor uncommon; but for a man of such sense and grace as Job was to do this was astonishing; to have no more regard to his character than to expose himself to the scorn and ridicule of men: for a man to become a laughing stock to profane and wicked men for his religion and piety, it is no disgrace, but an honour to him; but by unbecoming words and gestures to make himself justly jeered and scoffed at is great indiscretion. Or it may be understood actively of his dealing very freely and frequently in scoffs and jeers, which he poured out very liberally and plentifully, and seemingly with as much delight as a man drinks water when thirsty; see ( Job 11:3 ) .

Job 34:7 In-Context

5 "For Job has said, 'I am righteous, But God has taken away my right;

6 Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.'

7 "What man is like Job, Who drinks up derision like water,

8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, And walks with wicked men?

9 "For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing When he is pleased with God.'

Cross References

• 1. Job 15:16