5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
5 If anyone denounces their friends for reward, the eyes of their children will fail.
5 He who informs against his friends to get a share of their property-- the eyes of his children will fail.
5 Those who betray their own friends leave a legacy of abuse to their children.
5 He who speaks flattery to his friends, Even the eyes of his children will fail.
5 They betray their friends for their own advantage, so let their children faint with hunger.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 17:5
Commentary on Job 17:1-9
(Read Job 17:1-9)
Job reflects upon the harsh censures his friends had passed upon him, and, looking on himself as a dying man, he appeals to God. Our time is ending. It concerns us carefully to redeem the days of time, and to spend them in getting ready for eternity. We see the good use the righteous should make of Job's afflictions from God, from enemies, and from friends. Instead of being discouraged in the service of God, by the hard usage this faithful servant of God met with, they should be made bold to proceed and persevere therein. Those who keep their eye upon heaven as their end, will keep their feet in the paths of religion as their way, whatever difficulties and discouragements they may meet with.