17 I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth.
17 I broke the fangs of the unrighteous and made him drop his prey from his teeth.
17 I grabbed street thieves by the scruff of the neck and made them give back what they'd stolen.
17 I broke the fangs of the wicked, And plucked the victim from his teeth.
17 I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and plucked their victims from their teeth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 29:17
Commentary on Job 29:7-17
(Read Job 29:7-17)
All sorts of people paid respect to Job, not only for the dignity of his rank, but for his personal merit, his prudence, integrity, and good management. Happy the men who are blessed with such gifts as these! They have great opportunities of honouring God and doing good, but have great need to watch against pride. Happy the people who are blessed with such men! it is a token for good to them. Here we see what Job valued himself by, in the day of his prosperity. It was by his usefulness. He valued himself by the check he gave to the violence of proud and evil men. Good magistrates must thus be a restraint to evil-doers, and protect the innocent; in order to this, they should arm themselves with zeal and resolution. Such men are public blessings, and resemble Him who rescues poor sinners from Satan. How many who were ready to perish, now are blessing Him! But who can show forth His praises? May we trust in His mercy, and seek to imitate His truth, justice, and love.