Job 5:9-19

9 God does wonders that cannot be understood; he does so many miracles they cannot be counted.

10 He gives rain to the earth and sends water on the fields.

11 He makes the humble person important and lifts the sad to places of safety.

12 He ruins the plans of those who trick others so they have no success.

13 He catches the wise in their own clever traps and sweeps away the plans of those who try to trick others.

14 Darkness covers them up in the daytime; even at noon they feel around in the dark.

15 God saves the needy from their lies and from the harm done by powerful people.

16 So the poor have hope, while those who are unfair are silenced.

17 "The one whom God corrects is happy, so do not hate being corrected by the Almighty.

18 God hurts, but he also bandages up; he injures, but his hands also heal.

19 He will save you from six troubles; even seven troubles will not harm you.

Job 5:9-19 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.