Job 5:13-23

13 He traps the wise in their own cleverness so their cunning schemes are thwarted.
14 They find it is dark in the daytime, and they grope at noon as if it were night.
15 He rescues the poor from the cutting words of the strong, and rescues them from the clutches of the powerful.
16 And so at last the poor have hope, and the snapping jaws of the wicked are shut.
17 “But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.
18 For though he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but his hands also heal.
19 From six disasters he will rescue you; even in the seventh, he will keep you from evil.
20 He will save you from death in time of famine, from the power of the sword in time of war.
21 You will be safe from slander and have no fear when destruction comes.
22 You will laugh at destruction and famine; wild animals will not terrify you.
23 You will be at peace with the stones of the field, and its wild animals will be at peace with you.

Job 5:13-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 5

In this chapter Eliphaz goes on to prove, and further confirm and establish, what he had before asserted, that not good men, but wicked men only, are afflicted of God, at least greatly, so as to have their substance wholly destroyed and perish, which was Job's case; and this partly from the case, state, and sentiments of all the saints, Job 5:1,2; and from his own observation and experience, Job 5:3-5; and then he proceeds to give some advice; and seeing afflictions do not come by chance, but are of God, it is right in such circumstances for a man to seek to the Lord for pardon and salvation, and commit his cause unto him, Job 5:6-8; who does many great things in a providential way to the good of man in general, and to the disappointment of wicked crafty men, and to the serving of the poor in particular, Job 5:9-16; so that it is best patiently to bear the afflicting hand of God, and it is an happiness to be corrected by him, since he delivers such out of all their troubles, and preserves them from many evils, and bestows many good things on them; which would be Job's case particularly, if he behaved according to the advice given, and which is left with him to consider of, Job 5:17-27.

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