Job 5:8-18

8 "If I were in your shoes, I'd go straight to God, I'd throw myself on the mercy of God.

9 After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts; there's no end to his surprises.

10 He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth, sends water to irrigate the fields.

11 He raises up the down-and-out, gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.

12 He aborts the schemes of conniving crooks, so that none of their plots come to term.

13 He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies - all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash!

14 Suddenly they're disoriented, plunged into darkness; they can't see to put one foot in front of the other.

15 But the downtrodden are saved by God, saved from the murderous plots, saved from the iron fist.

16 And so the poor continue to hope, while injustice is bound and gagged.

17 "So, what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you! Mind you, don't despise the discipline of Almighty God!

18 True, he wounds, but he also dresses the wound; the same hand that hurts you, heals you.

Job 5:8-18 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.