Job 17:5

5 He who speaks flattery to his friends, Even 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 "Now put down a pledge for me with Yourself. Who is he who will shake hands with me?

4 For You have hidden their heart from understanding; Therefore You will not exalt them.

5 He who speaks flattery to his friends, Even the eyes of his children will fail.

6 "But He has made me a byword of the people, And I have become one in whose face men spit.

7 My eye has also grown dim because of sorrow, And all my members are like shadows.