Job 17:5

KJV

He that speaketh flattery to [his] friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that speaketh {H5046} flattery {H2506} to his friends {H7453}, even the eyes {H5869} of his children {H1121} shall fail {H3615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Should people share with their friends when their own children's eyes are so sad?

Berean Standard Bible

If a man denounces his friends for a price, the eyes of his children will fail.

American Standard Version

He that denounceth his friends for a prey, Even the eyes of his children shall fail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 17:5 delivers a profound and somber warning from Job concerning the devastating and far-reaching consequences of insincere and deceitful speech, specifically flattery directed toward one's friends. It asserts that such duplicity, motivated by ulterior gain rather than genuine truth, inflicts harm not only on the immediate recipient but also carries a severe, intergenerational impact, causing the children of the flatterer to experience profound disappointment, a loss of hope, or even a premature end to their prospects. This verse powerfully underscores the deep biblical value placed on integrity of speech and highlights the destructive power of words devoid of truth and love, reflecting a principle of moral accountability that extends beyond the individual to affect future generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Job's third cycle of speeches, specifically in chapter 17, which forms part of his impassioned response to Bildad's second speech. Job 17 is characterized by Job's profound despair, his sense of abandonment by God, and his bitter lament over the perceived betrayal and misunderstanding from his friends. He feels utterly alone, longing for vindication and a true advocate. In this context, Job's warning against flattery in verse 5 serves as a poignant, almost ironic, indictment of his companions' own behavior. He views their conventional, often accusatory, counsel as empty platitudes or veiled attacks rather than genuine empathy and truth. His words here reflect his deep disillusionment with their "comfort," highlighting their failure to provide true support and their reliance on unhelpful, even cruel, wisdom. The verse thus deepens the narrative's exploration of true friendship and the integrity of speech within the dialogue.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the spoken word held immense power and significance, often believed to possess a tangible, almost performative, effect. Oaths, blessings, and curses were not mere utterances but were understood to actively shape reality and destiny. Consequently, flattery was not a trivial social pleasantry but a dangerous form of deception, capable of undermining fundamental trust and fracturing the social fabric. It was frequently associated with treachery, manipulative political maneuvering, or the exploitation of vulnerability. Furthermore, the concept of corporate solidarity was deeply embedded in these societies, meaning that the actions and moral standing of an individual, particularly the head of a household, could profoundly impact their entire family or community. This cultural understanding illuminates the severe generational consequence mentioned in the verse; a father's moral failing, especially in deceitful speech, could indeed lead to the ruin, disgrace, or diminished prospects of his descendants, affecting their social standing, inheritance, and future within the community.
* **Key Themes:** Job 17:5 significantly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Job. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **the integrity of speech** versus deceit. Throughout the lengthy dialogues, Job consistently challenges his friends' words as unhelpful, untrue, or even cruel, contrasting them with his own desperate plea for genuine understanding and truth. This verse underscores the destructive nature of words that lack sincerity, echoing broader biblical wisdom found in passages like [Proverbs 26:28](/proverbs/26-28 "Proverbs 26:28 - A Lying Tongue Hates Its Victims") which warns against a lying tongue that works ruin. Secondly, it powerfully addresses the theme of **generational consequences**, a concept deeply rooted in ancient Israelite thought, where the actions of parents could indeed affect their children, as seen in the warnings of the Decalogue in [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Generational Iniquity for Idolatry"). While Job's friends often misapply this principle to Job's suffering, Job himself here articulates it as a universal moral truth regarding the ripple effects of sin. Lastly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **true versus false wisdom**, as Job's friends offer what they believe to be wise counsel, but Job perceives it as empty flattery, demonstrating that true wisdom involves empathy, truthfulness, and genuine concern, not just conventional platitudes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flattery (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** The KJV translates _chêleq_ as "flattery," which accurately captures its nuanced meaning in this context. While its primary sense is "portion" or "allotment," it also denotes "smoothness" or "slipperiness," particularly when applied to speech. This implies not merely polite compliments but speech that is insincere, manipulative, or deceptive, often delivered with an ulterior motive to gain advantage, betray trust, or avoid confrontation. It suggests a "smooth" or "oily" tongue that conceals malicious intent or a profound lack of genuine concern, effectively giving someone a "portion" of something that is not truly theirs, such as false hope or empty affirmation.
* **Fail (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** This primitive root means "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," "to be consumed," or "to waste away." When applied to "eyes" in this verse, it creates a vivid and poignant image of utter exhaustion, profound disappointment, or the complete loss of hope and vision. It suggests that the children will look in vain for help, for a future, or for justice, their eyes "failing" in the sense of becoming dim, blind, or simply giving up, signifying a tragic and hopeless end to their prospects, their well-being, or even their lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that speaketh flattery to [his] friends":** This initial clause precisely identifies the subject of Job's grave warning: an individual who engages in deceptive or insincere speech toward those they claim as friends. The term "flattery" here is far from benign; it implies a calculated dishonesty, a manipulation of words that fundamentally undermines genuine relationship and trust. It speaks to a profound lack of integrity in communication, where words are used as tools for self-interest, betrayal, or avoidance rather than as authentic expressions of truth and genuine regard. This sets the stage for the severe consequence that follows.
* **"even the eyes of his children shall fail":** This is the stark and devastating consequence of such deceitful behavior. The "failing of the eyes" for the children is a powerful and evocative metaphor for the collapse of their hopes, their future prospects, or their very lives. It suggests that the moral corruption of the parent, specifically their insincere and manipulative speech, will lead to a generational curse, where the descendants suffer from a lack of vision, hope, or even physical well-being, perhaps facing destitution, disgrace, or premature death. This highlights the severe, long-term ripple effects of moral compromise and the profound interconnectedness of family in ancient thought.

#### Literary Devices
Job 17:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn warning. **Metonymy** is strikingly evident in the phrase "the eyes of his children shall fail," where "eyes" serve as a substitute for the children's hope, vision, future, or even their very existence. The failing of the eyes thus signifies the utter collapse of their prospects and the bleakness of their future. This profound impact is further amplified by **Hyperbole**, as the described consequence—the complete failure of the children's eyes—is an extreme and vivid exaggeration designed to underscore the gravity of the parent's sin of insincere speech. It functions as a powerful deterrent, emphasizing that moral failings, particularly in communication, have devastating, far-reaching effects that extend beyond the individual. Moreover, the verse functions as a form of **Proverbial Wisdom**, articulating a general truth about moral cause and effect, even though it is spoken by Job in a moment of deep personal anguish and ironic commentary on his friends' behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 17:5 profoundly connects to the broader biblical emphasis on the sanctity of truth and the destructive nature of deceit. God is consistently portrayed as a God of truth and faithfulness ([Psalm 33:4 "The Word of the Lord is Right and True"]), and His people are called to embody truthfulness in all their dealings, especially in speech. Insincere words, flattery, and lies are an affront to God's character and erode the very foundation of human relationships and community. The verse's warning about generational consequences resonates with the principle, seen elsewhere in Scripture, that the moral choices of individuals can have lasting impacts on their descendants, not necessarily as a direct, deterministic "punishment" but as the natural, often tragic, unfolding of sin's effects within a family line or community. This underscores the profound responsibility inherent in every word spoken and every action taken, highlighting how personal integrity shapes collective destiny.

* [Proverbs 29:5](/proverbs/29-5 "The Danger of Flattery")
* [Psalm 12:2-3](/psalm/12-2-3 "Deceitful Lips and Boastful Tongues")
* [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Generational Consequences of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 17:5 serves as a timeless and piercing challenge to the integrity of our communication in every sphere of life. In an age saturated with curated images, superficial interactions, and the constant pressure to present an idealized self, the temptation to speak "flattery"—words designed to manipulate, gain favor, avoid discomfort, or simply conform rather than convey genuine truth—is ever-present. This verse calls us to a radical honesty, not just with others, but fundamentally with ourselves and before God. It compels us to deeply examine the motives behind our words: Are they rooted in genuine love, truth, and a desire for the flourishing of others, or are they tainted by self-interest, fear of disapproval, or a desire to merely please? The sobering warning about generational consequences reminds us that our choices, particularly in how we wield the immense power of speech, cast long shadows. Cultivating a life of integrity, where our "yes" means yes and our "no" means no ([Matthew 5:37 "Let Your Yes Be Yes"]), is not merely a personal virtue but a profound act of stewardship. It shapes not only our own character but potentially the spiritual and relational legacy we leave for those who come after us. It encourages us to build relationships on the bedrock of truth, even when truth is difficult or unpopular, knowing that genuine love always speaks truth, for the ultimate flourishing of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to use "flattery" or insincere speech in my relationships, and what are the underlying motives for such behavior?**
* **How does the concept of generational consequences, as powerfully presented in Job 17:5, influence my understanding of personal responsibility and the long-term impact of my actions, especially my words?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take to cultivate greater integrity and unwavering truthfulness in my daily communication, both online and offline?**
* **How can I courageously speak truth in love, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable, rather than resorting to insincere words or avoiding necessary, challenging conversations?**

### FAQ
**Does "the eyes of his children shall fail" imply a literal curse on descendants for a parent's sin?**

Answer: While the language is stark and reflects an ancient understanding of corporate solidarity, it is generally understood as a proverbial warning about the natural, tragic consequences that can unfold from a parent's moral failings, rather than a direct, deterministic "curse" in every instance. In ancient societies, a parent's reputation, integrity, and financial or social standing directly impacted their children's prospects, inheritance, and social acceptance. If a parent was known for deceit, treachery, or a lack of integrity, their children could indeed face ostracization, loss of opportunity, or a diminished future. The "failing of the eyes" is a powerful metaphor for the loss of hope, vision, or a bleak future for the descendants, a direct result of the parent's compromised character and actions. It highlights the profound ripple effect of sin, where the moral decay of one generation can indeed lead to the suffering or diminished prospects of the next, as seen in various biblical narratives where the consequences of sin are experienced across generations (e.g., [Lamentations 5:7](/lamentations/5-7 "Lamentations 5:7 - Our Fathers Sinned, and Are No More; And We Bear Their Iniquities")). However, the New Testament emphasizes individual accountability and God's abundant mercy ([Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Soul Who Sins Shall Die")), while still acknowledging the societal and relational effects of sin that can extend beyond the individual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 17:5, with its stark warning against the destructive power of insincere speech and its generational consequences, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Job laments the deceitful words of his friends and the seemingly inescapable consequences of moral failure, Christ embodies perfect truth, unwavering integrity, and absolute faithfulness. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very embodiment of truth, whose "yes" is truly "yes" and whose "no" is truly "no" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Unlike the flatterer whose words lead to the "failing eyes" of his children, Jesus' words bring life, hope, and true spiritual vision ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Words That I Have Spoken to You Are Spirit and Life")). He exposes the deceit of the human heart and offers a path to genuine reconciliation with God and with one another, breaking the cycle of sin and its generational effects through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through faith in Him, we are not bound by the moral failings of our ancestors or our own past deceptions, but are given new life and a new Spirit, enabling us to speak truth in love and to walk in integrity, establishing a legacy of righteousness rather than ruin ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Therefore, Having Put Away Falsehood, Let Each One of You Speak the Truth with His Neighbor")). In Christ, the "eyes" that once failed due to sin are opened to the glorious hope of the gospel ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Having the Eyes of Your Hearts Enlightened")), providing a future and a hope that no human flattery or deceit can undermine, for our hope is securely founded in the unshakeable truth of God Himself.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 20:19

¶ He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

Psalms 12:3

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things:

Job 11:20

But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope [shall be as] the giving up of the ghost.

1 Kings 11:12

Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: [but] I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.

Deuteronomy 28:65

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:

Job 32:21

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.