Job 17:5

5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall 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 "Lay it down now, give me a surety with Thee. Who is he that will strike hands with me?
4 For Thou hast hid their heart from understanding; therefore shalt Thou not exalt them.
5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
6 "He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a drum to beat on.
7 Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.