This verse warns that betraying friends for personal gain will lead to devastating consequences that affect both the betrayer and their children.
Job, who lived around 2000-1700 BC and is traditionally associated with the land of Uz in the ancient Near East, describes the consequences of betrayal when he says, “He who informs against friends for a share of the spoil, The eyes of his children also will languish” (v.5). This statement identifies a person who betrays companions for personal gain, emphasizing that breaking trust for profit invites ruin not only upon oneself but upon one’s family. In the broader context of Job’s lament, his friends have continuously misinterpreted his plight, and this verse highlights the destructiveness of using someone’s suffering—or friendship—to enhance one’s personal advantage (Job 6:27 for another perspective on false counsel).
By stating “The eyes of his children also will languish” (v.5), Job underscores the generational repercussions of immoral acts. In the communal and family-oriented culture of the ancient world, a child’s wellbeing was often intertwined with the integrity of their parents. When that righteousness was compromised—particularly by betraying friends—shame, calamity, or suffering could be passed down. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7), illustrating that evil deeds often foster a ripple effect that touches future generations.
These words by Job foreshadow the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where betrayal and false loyalty are similarly condemned (Matthew 26:24). Just as Christ taught the importance of genuine love and loyalty, so too does Job caution that treachery brings about dire consequences. Betrayal ultimately isolates the betrayer from the support and fellowship of others—a stark contrast to the life of integrity that the Lord ultimately blesses.
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Job 17:5 meaning
Job, who lived around 2000-1700 BC and is traditionally associated with the land of Uz in the ancient Near East, describes the consequences of betrayal when he says, “He who informs against friends for a share of the spoil, The eyes of his children also will languish” (v.5). This statement identifies a person who betrays companions for personal gain, emphasizing that breaking trust for profit invites ruin not only upon oneself but upon one’s family. In the broader context of Job’s lament, his friends have continuously misinterpreted his plight, and this verse highlights the destructiveness of using someone’s suffering—or friendship—to enhance one’s personal advantage (Job 6:27 for another perspective on false counsel).
By stating “The eyes of his children also will languish” (v.5), Job underscores the generational repercussions of immoral acts. In the communal and family-oriented culture of the ancient world, a child’s wellbeing was often intertwined with the integrity of their parents. When that righteousness was compromised—particularly by betraying friends—shame, calamity, or suffering could be passed down. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7), illustrating that evil deeds often foster a ripple effect that touches future generations.
These words by Job foreshadow the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where betrayal and false loyalty are similarly condemned (Matthew 26:24). Just as Christ taught the importance of genuine love and loyalty, so too does Job caution that treachery brings about dire consequences. Betrayal ultimately isolates the betrayer from the support and fellowship of others—a stark contrast to the life of integrity that the Lord ultimately blesses.