Job - Chapter 5

Job 5.1 Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn? Job 5.2 For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. Job 5.4 His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them. Job 5.5 Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance. Job 5.6 Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Job 5.7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Job 5.8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Job 5.9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: Job 5.10 Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: Job 5.11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety. Job 5.12 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. Job 5.13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong. Job 5.14 They meet with darkness in the day time, and grope in the noonday as in the night. Job 5.15 But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty. Job 5.16 So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth. Job 5.17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: Job 5.18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. Job 5.19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. Job 5.20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. Job 5.21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. Job 5.22 At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. Job 5.23 For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. Job 5.24 And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. Job 5.25 Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Job 5.26 Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. Job 5.27 Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.

Job : Chapter 5

Reflections on Job 5 and Divine Discipline

Chapter 5 of the Book of Job continues with the speech of Eliphaz the Temanite. In this passage, Eliphaz offers advice to Job, developing his vision of divine discipline and the restoration of the repentant. This text addresses key themes such as God's justice, the need for human humility, and the promise of future blessings. However, the theology presented in Job 5, although simplistic, will subsequently be challenged.

Five Resonant Bible Passages

We invite you to reflect with us on five biblical passages that shed light on the complex themes of this difficult chapter.

Psalm 37:25

"I was once young, and now I am old; I have never seen a righteous man in want, nor his children begging for bread." This psalm reflects Eliphaz's perspective in Job 5, suggesting that the righteous are always under divine protection.

Proverbs 26:2

"As the sparrow circles and the swallow flies swiftly, so a curse without a cause does not stand." This proverb echoes Eliphaz's argument that suffering does not occur without a cause.

1 Corinthians 3:19

"Because the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'" In this verse, Paul quotes Job 5:13, illustrating how Eliphaz's words would be repeated in the New Testament.

Hebrews 12:11

"No discipline seems to be a joy for the time being, but rather a sorrow. But later on, it produces fruits of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." This verse reflects Eliphaz's idea that suffering can have an educational and beneficial purpose.

James 1:2-3

"Consider it great joy, my brothers, when you endure various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This passage resonates with Eliphaz's argument, emphasizing that trials can have a positive purpose, albeit from a different perspective.

These reflections invite us to deepen our understanding of God's suffering and goodness, while seeking to see beyond trials and embrace the promises of restoration and peace. May our faith guide us through life's challenges, reminding us that every trial can be an opportunity to grow in wisdom and humility.