Job 11:9-19

9 The measure of it [is] longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10 If he shall cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?

11 For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider [it]?

12 For vain man would be wise, though man is born [like] a wild ass's colt.

13 If thou preparest thy heart, and stretchest out thy hands towards him;

14 If iniquity [is] in thy hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

15 For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yes, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:

16 Because thou shalt forget [thy] misery, [and] remember [it] as waters [that] pass away:

17 And [thy] age shall be clearer than the noon-day: thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yes, thou shalt dig [about thee], [and] thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

19 Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yes, many shall make suit to thee.

Job 11:9-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 11

In this chapter Zophar the Naamathite, Job's third friend, attacks him, and the with great acrimony and severity, and with much indecency; he charges him not only with loquacity, and vain babbling, but with lying, and with scoffing at God, and good men, Job 11:1-3; which he attempts to support by some things Job had said, misrepresented by him, Job 11:4; and wishes that God would take him in hand, and convince him of the wisdom of the divine proceedings with him, and of his lenity and mercy to him, Job 11:5,6; and then discourses of the unsearchableness of God in his counsels, and conduct; of his sovereignty, and of his power, and of the vanity and folly of men, Job 11:7-19; and as his friends before him, having insinuated that Job was guilty of some heinous sin, or sins, and especially of hypocrisy, advises him to repentance and reformation, and then it would be well with him; and he should enjoy much comfort, peace, and safety, even to old age, Job 11:13-19; and concludes it should go ill with the wicked man and the hypocrite, such as he suggests Job was, Job 11:20.