Job 22:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Yet he filled their houses with good [things]: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Yet he himself had filled their homes with good things! (But the advice of the wicked is far away from me.)

Berean Standard Bible:

But it was He who filled their houses with good things; so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked.

American Standard Version:

Yet he filled their houses with good things: But the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Yet he filled^{H4390} their houses^{H1004} with good^{H2896} things: but the counsel^{H6098} of the wicked^{H7563} is far^{H7368} from me.

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Commentary for Job 22:18

Job 22:18 is a part of the dialogue in the Book of Job, a poetic narrative that grapples with the problem of suffering and the justice of God. This particular verse is found within the speech of Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's three friends who come to "comfort" him after he loses his wealth, children, and health. Eliphaz, along with Bildad and Zophar, attempts to explain Job's suffering by asserting that it must be a result of Job's own sinfulness, a common belief in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature.

In Job 22:18, Eliphaz is suggesting that the wicked do prosper, which seems to contradict the retributive justice theory that he and others have been promoting—that good things happen to the righteous and bad things to the wicked. He acknowledges that God has filled the houses of the wicked with good things, which is a reflection of the prosperity they enjoy despite their moral failings. However, Eliphaz quickly distances himself from the wicked by stating that he himself does not take part in their counsel, implying that he remains righteous and separate from their corrupt ways.

The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat uncertain, with scholars placing its composition anywhere from the time of the Patriarchs (circa 2000-1500 BCE) to the post-exilic period (after 539 BCE). The book reflects themes common in wisdom literature, such as the search for understanding in the face of human suffering, the nature of divine justice, and the proper response to adversity.

In summary, Job 22:18 captures the tension between the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the traditional belief in divine retribution. Eliphaz's words reflect an observation that wealth and prosperity are not always indicative of righteousness, while also asserting his own moral integrity by rejecting the counsel of the wicked. This verse contributes to the broader dialogue in the Book of Job, which challenges simplistic explanations for suffering and invites readers to ponder the complexities of faith, justice, and divine wisdom.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H4390
   There are 240 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָלֵא
   Transliteration: mâlêʼ
   Pronunciation: maw-lay'
   Description: or מָלָא; (Esther 7:5), a primitive root; to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively); accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1004
   There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּיִת
   Transliteration: bayith
   Pronunciation: bah'-yith
   Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).
   
3. Strong's Number: H2896
   There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טוֹב
   Transliteration: ṭôwb
   Pronunciation: tobe
   Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured).
   
4. Strong's Number: H6098
   There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֵצָה
   Transliteration: ʻêtsâh
   Pronunciation: ay-tsaw'
   Description: from יָעַץ; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence; advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7563
   There are 249 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָשָׁע
   Transliteration: râshâʻ
   Pronunciation: raw-shaw'
   Description: from רָשַׁע; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7368
   There are 56 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָחַק
   Transliteration: râchaq
   Pronunciation: raw-khak'
   Description: a primitive root; to widen (in any direction), i.e. (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation); (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off).