Job 17:5

5 He shall promise mischief to companions: but eyes have failed for children.

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 Who is this? let him join hands with me.

4 For thou hast hid their heart from wisdom; therefore thou shalt not exalt them.

5 He shall promise mischief to companions: but eyes have failed for children.

6 But thou has made me a byword amount the nations, and I am become a scorn to them.

7 For my eyes are dimmed through pain; I have been grievously beset by all.