17 Truly, that man is happy who has training from the hand of God: so do not let your heart be shut to the teaching of the Ruler of all. 18 For after his punishment he gives comfort, and after wounding, his hands make you well. 19 He will keep you safe from six troubles, and in seven no evil will come near you. 20 When there is need of food he will keep you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. 21 He will keep you safe from the evil tongue; and you will have no fear of wasting when it comes. 22 You will make sport of destruction and need, and will have no fear of the beasts of the earth. 23 For you will be in agreement with the stones of the earth, and the beasts of the field will be at peace with you. 24 And you will be certain that your tent is at peace, and after looking over your property you will see that nothing is gone. 25 You will be certain that your seed will be great, and your offspring like the plants of the earth. 26 You will come to your last resting-place in full strength, as the grain is taken up to the crushing-floor in its time. 27 See, we have made search with care, and it is so; it has come to our ears; see that you take note of it for yourself.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 5:17-27
Commentary on Job 5:17-27
(Read Job 5:17-27)
Eliphaz gives to Job a word of caution and exhortation: Despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Call it a chastening, which comes from the Father's love, and is for the child's good; and notice it as a messenger from Heaven. Eliphaz also encourages Job to submit to his condition. A good man is happy though he be afflicted, for he has not lost his enjoyment of God, nor his title to heaven; nay, he is happy because he is afflicted. Correction mortifies his corruptions, weans his heart from the world, draws him nearer to God, brings him to his Bible, brings him to his knees. Though God wounds, yet he supports his people under afflictions, and in due time delivers them. Making a wound is sometimes part of a cure. Eliphaz gives Job precious promises of what God would do for him, if he humbled himself. Whatever troubles good men may be in, they shall do them no real harm. Being kept from sin, they are kept from the evil of trouble. And if the servants of Christ are not delivered from outward troubles, they are delivered by them, and while overcome by one trouble, they conquer all. Whatever is maliciously said against them shall not hurt them. They shall have wisdom and grace to manage their concerns. The greatest blessing, both in our employments and in our enjoyments, is to be kept from sin. They shall finish their course with joy and honour. That man lives long enough who has done his work, and is fit for another world. It is a mercy to die seasonably, as the corn is cut and housed when fully ripe; not till then, but then not suffered to stand any longer. Our times are in God's hands; it is well they are so. Believers are not to expect great wealth, long life, or to be free from trials. But all will be ordered for the best. And remark from Job's history, that steadiness of mind and heart under trial, is one of the highest attainments of faith. There is little exercise for faith when all things go well. But if God raises a storm, permits the enemy to send wave after wave, and seemingly stands aloof from our prayers, then, still to hang on and trust God, when we cannot trace him, this is the patience of the saints. Blessed Saviour! how sweet it is to look unto thee, the Author and Finisher of faith, in such moments!