Job 12:6

"In the thought of him who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune. It is ready for them whose foot slips."

Key Reflection

In Job 12:6, the author contrasts those who are secure and prosperous (the "at ease") with those experiencing hardship (those whose "foot slips"). The original audience would have recognized that in first-century Israel, wealth and prosperity were often seen as divine blessings, while misfortune was viewed as a result of sin or divine disfavor. Thus, the verse suggests that those who are comfortable tend to look down on those who are struggling, viewing their misfortunes with contempt, reflecting a common social and theological perspective of the time.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The tabernacles of robbers prosper -The tents or dwellings of robbers are safe and secure. This is Job’s original proposition, to which he all along adheres. It is, that God does not deal with people in this life according to their character; and in support of this he now appeals to the fact that the tents or dwellings of robbers are safe. Arabia would furnish many illustrations of this, which could not be unknown to the friends of Job. The Arabs dwelt in tents, and they were then, as now, wandering, predatory tribes. They lived, to a great extent, by plunder, and doubtless Job could appeal to the observation of his friends for the proof of this.

More from Job 12

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