Job 17:5

5 For a portion he sheweth friendship, And the eyes of his sons are consumed.

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 Place, I pray Thee, my pledge with Thee; Who is he that striketh hand with me?

4 For their heart Thou hast hidden From understanding, Therefore Thou dost not exalt them.

5 For a portion he sheweth friendship, And the eyes of his sons are consumed.

6 And he set me up for a proverb of the peoples, And a wonder before them I am.

7 And dim from sorrow is mine eye, And my members as a shadow all of them.