4 For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.
4 You have closed their minds to understanding; therefore you will not let them triumph.
4 Since you have closed their hearts to understanding, therefore you will not let them triumph.
4 These people are so useless! You know firsthand how stupid they can be. You wouldn't let them have the last word, would you?
4 For You have hidden their heart from understanding; Therefore You will not exalt them.
4 You have closed their minds to understanding, but do not let them triumph.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 17:4
Commentary on Job 17:1-9
(Read Job 17:1-9)
Job reflects upon the harsh censures his friends had passed upon him, and, looking on himself as a dying man, he appeals to God. Our time is ending. It concerns us carefully to redeem the days of time, and to spend them in getting ready for eternity. We see the good use the righteous should make of Job's afflictions from God, from enemies, and from friends. Instead of being discouraged in the service of God, by the hard usage this faithful servant of God met with, they should be made bold to proceed and persevere therein. Those who keep their eye upon heaven as their end, will keep their feet in the paths of religion as their way, whatever difficulties and discouragements they may meet with.