18 Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.
18 Even the little boys scorn me; when I appear, they ridicule me.
18 Even young children despise me; when I rise they talk against me.
18 Even street urchins despise me; when I come out, they taunt and jeer.
18 Even young children despise me; I arise, and they speak against me.
18 Even young children despise me. When I stand to speak, they turn their backs on me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 19:18
Commentary on Job 19:8-22
(Read Job 19:8-22)
How doleful are Job's complaints! What is the fire of hell but the wrath of God! Seared consciences will feel it hereafter, but do not fear it now: enlightened consciences fear it now, but shall not feel it hereafter. It is a very common mistake to think that those whom God afflicts he treats as his enemies. Every creature is that to us which God makes it to be; yet this does not excuse Job's relations and friends. How uncertain is the friendship of men! but if God be our Friend, he will not fail us in time of need. What little reason we have to indulge the body, which, after all our care, is consumed by diseases it has in itself. Job recommends himself to the compassion of his friends, and justly blames their harshness. It is very distressing to one who loves God, to be bereaved at once of outward comfort and of inward consolation; yet if this, and more, come upon a believer, it does not weaken the proof of his being a child of God and heir of glory.