Job 6:18-28

18 The paths of their steps be (en)wrapped; they shall go in vain, and shall perish.
19 Behold ye the paths of Tema, and the ways of Sheba; and abide ye a little.
20 They be shamed, for I hoped (They be ashamed, for they had hoped); and they came unto me, and they be covered with shame.
21 Now ye be come, and now ye see my wound, and dread (and ye fear it).
22 Whether I (ever) said, Bring ye to me, and give ye of your chattel to me?
23 either said, Deliver ye me from the hand of mine enemy, and draw away ye me from the hand of strong men? (or I said, Rescue ye me from the hands of my enemy, or draw ye me away from the hands of the strong?)
24 Teach ye me, and I shall be still (and I shall be quiet); and if in hap I unknew anything, teach ye me.
25 Why have ye contraried the words of truth? since there is none of you, that may reprove me (since there is none of you, who can rebuke me).
26 Ye make ready speeches only for to blame, and ye bring forth words into wind. (Ye only open your mouths to blame, and ye bring forth words like so much wind.)
27 Ye fall in on a fatherless child, and endeavour to pervert your friend.
28 Nevertheless fulfill ye that, that ye have begun; and give ye your ear, or hearing, and see ye, whether I lie.

Job 6:18-28 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 6

This and the following chapter contain Job's answer to the speech of Eliphaz in the two foregoing; he first excuses his impatience by the greatness of his afflictions, which, if weighed by good and impartial hands, would be found to be heavier than the sand of the sea, and which words were wanting to express, Job 6:1-3; and the reason why they were so heavy is given, they being the arrows and terrors of the Almighty, Job 6:4; and by various similes he shows that his moans and complaints under them need not seem strange and unreasonable, Job 6:5-7; and what had been said not being convincing to him, he continues in the same sentiment and disposition of mind, and wishes to be removed by death out of his miserable condition, and gives his reasons for it, Job 6:8-13; and though his case was such as required pity from his friends, yet this he had not from them, but represents them as deceitful, and as having sadly disappointed him, and therefore he neither hoped nor asked for anything of them, Job 6:14-23; and observes that their words and arguments were of no force and weight with him, but harmful and pernicious, Job 6:24-27; and in his turn gives them some exhortations and instructions, and signifies that he was as capable of discerning between right and wrong as they, with which this chapter is concluded, Job 6:28-30.

Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.