1883 Haydock Douay Rheims Bible

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Job 11:1 Then Sophar, the Naamathite, answered, and said:

Naamathite. Septuagint, "the Minean," in Arabia Felix, or rather of the Meonim, not far from the Themanites, Judges 10:11. Sophar was probably a descendant of Sepho, styled by Septuagint Sophar, (Genesis 36:11., and 1 Paralipomenon 1:36.) brother of Theman, and grandson of Eliphaz, the son of Esau. (Calmet) --- He speaks with greater insolence than the two others, (Pineda) and inveighs against Job, insisting that he can be punished thus only for his crimes. (Calmet)
Job 11:2 Shall not he that speaketh much, hear also? or shall a man full of talk be justified?

Much. The speeches of Job seemed tedious to him, because he was not of his opinion. (Menochius) --- He might have applied to himself and his friends the fault of talking too much, as they all spoke many things to no purpose, whereas Job went straight to the point. (Worthington)
Job 11:3 Shall men hold their peace to thee only? and when thou hast mocked others, shall no man confute thee?

Men. Hebrew, "shall thy lies make men keep silence?" Septuagint, "Blessed be the short-lived son of a woman. Speak not much, for there is no one to give sentence against thee." (Haydock) --- Mocked, by not acquiescing to their solid arguments, (Menochius) and speaking with much animation. (Pineda)
Job 11:4 For thou hast said: My word is pure, and I am clean in thy sight.

Sight. Job had just said the reverse, Job 9:2. (St. Chrysostom)
Job 11:5 And I wish that God would speak with thee, and would open his lips to thee,

Job 11:6 That he might shew thee the secrets of wisdom, and that his law is manifold, and thou mightest understand that he exacteth much less of thee, than thy iniquity deserveth.

Law. Hebrew Thushiya, (Haydock) "the essence" of any thing. Hence it is explained, "law, strength, comfort," etc. We might translate, "and that the reality of thy crimes deserved double punishment," etc. The obligations of the natural, and also of the written law of Moses, with which Job was (Calmet) perhaps (Haydock) acquainted, (chap. 22:22.) are very numerous and difficult. The ways of Providence are not easily understood, though some are obvious enough. He rewards and punishes. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "for it is double of what has come against thee, and then thou wouldst know that thy sins are justly requited." Protestants, "that they are double to that which is: Know, therefore, that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth," 1 Esdras 9:13. (Haydock)
Job 11:7 Peradventure thou wilt comprehend the steps of God, and wilt find out the Almighty perfectly?

Perfectly? If not, it is rash to find fault. (Menochius)
Job 11:8 He is higher than heaven, and what wilt thou do? he is deeper than hell, and how wilt thou know?

Job 11:9 The measure of him is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

Job 11:10 If he shall overturn all things, or shall press them together, who shall contradict him?

Job 11:11 For he knoweth the vanity of men, and when he seeth iniquity, doth he not consider it?

It? to inflict punishment. Septuagint, "he will not overlook." (Haydock)
Job 11:12 A vain man is lifted up into pride, and thinketh himself born free like a wild ass's colt.

Is. Hebrew, "is he heart? or wise, (Calmet) he who is born like a," etc. Shall he assert his independence, or pretend to be wise? (Haydock) --- The Hebrews place wisdom in the heart, as we do courage, Job 12:3., and Proverbs 2:2., etc. (Calmet)
Job 11:13 But thou hast hardened thy heart, and hast spread thy hands to him.

But. Hebrew, "If thou direct thy heart, etc. Thou mayst lift up thy face," (ver. 15.; Haydock) without fear, 2 Kings 2:22. (Calmet)
Job 11:14 If thou wilt put away from thee the iniquity that is in thy hand, and lot not injustice remain in thy tabernacle:

Iniquity. Of this Job was not conscious, and therefore could not confess it. (Worthington)
Job 11:15 Then mayst thou lift up thy face without spot, and thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear.

Without. Septuagint, "as clean water, thou shalt put away corruption, and shalt not fear."
Job 11:16 Thou shalt also forget misery, and remember it only as waters that are passed away.

Job 11:17 And brightness like that of the noon-day, shall arise to thee at evening: and when thou shalt think thyself consumed, thou shalt rise as the day-star.

Brightness. Septuagint, "But thy prayer, like the day-star and life, shall arise to thee from the south, or as at noon-day." Hebrew, "Thy age (Haydock) shall appear clearer than the noon-day, and darkness like the morning." Prosperity shall succeed, (Calmet) when thou shalt think all lost. (Menochius)
Job 11:18 And thou shalt have confidence, hope being set before thee, and being buried thou shalt sleep secure.

Secure, dying full of hope. (Chaldean) Hebrew, "thou shalt dig," (for water, which was there a great treasure, Genesis 21:25., and 26:15.) or to fasten down thy tent, (Calmet) "and rest secure." (Haydock)
Job 11:19 *Thou shalt rest, and there shall be none to make thee afraid: and many shall entreat thy face.

Leviticus 26:6.
Face. Luther translates "shall flatter thee." The Dutch version, which is taken from Luther's, has mistaken a letter, and rendered "shall flee before thee," which shews the danger of translating without recurring to the originals. (Amama)
Job 11:20 *But the eyes of the wicked shall decay, and the way to escape shall fail them, and their hope the abomination of the soul.

Leviticus 26:16.
Soul, because hope deferred causeth pain to the soul, Proverbs 13:12. (Menochius) --- Hebrew, "their hope shall be the sorrow, or the breathing out of the soul." (Calmet) --- Protestants, "the giving up of the ghost." Marginal note, "a puff of breath," Job 18:14. (Haydock)