Job 5:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The ‘hunter’ seeks only the flesh, but we are ‘delivered from both the trap of the hunter and the destructive word,’ as we triumph over the snares set by worldly men and the slanderous remarks of scoffers, rendering them powerless. Their harsh words lash out against our righteous paths. ‘Deliverance from harsh words’ signifies trampling beneath our feet the reproaches of detractors, turning a blind eye to them; for the holy soul remains concealed from the ‘scourge of tongues,’ as it never seeks worldly applause in this life and remains unaffected by slanderous insults. Yet, there are some who no longer dread disparagement or mockery, but still fear physical pain and affliction. Our ancient adversary, aiming to divert us from the true direction of our hearts, attacks us through various means, tempting us at one moment with spiritual famine, later with the desires of the flesh, then with the scourge of harsh words, and finally through the trials of persecution. However, every righteous person, once they have conquered their own vices, remains mentally prepared for suffering. Consequently, they are rightly reminded: You shall not fear when calamity approaches, as stated in Job 5:21. Holy individuals, aware that the enemy seeks to entrap them in many ways, equip themselves diversely for resistance. In facing hunger, they rely on the sustenance of God's Word; against the sword of war, they wield the shield of temperance; in response to the scourge of the tongue, they guard themselves with patience; and in enduring external tribulations, they find strength in internal love. Thus, marvelously, as the assaults crafted by the enemy intensify, the virtues bestowed upon the diligent soldiers of God multiply. All the chosen, as they bravely face the trials of this life, prepare for themselves refuge in the coming terror of judgment, rightly partaking in the promise as noted.

Such a person remains untroubled by anticipated hardships, echoing the words of the blessed Paul: "Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or sword?" (Rom. 8:35). He triumphs over all these adversities by an abundance of virtue. Furthermore, he does not fall victim to the deceptions of false wisdom, for the Lord has rendered the schemes of the cunning futile (Job 5:13). The statement, "And thou shalt not fear the calamities to come," aligns with the prophetic message, "Your destruction cometh from afar" (See Isaiah 10:3), suggesting that our inner goodness is paramount. As it is written, "The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). We indeed possess an inclination toward virtue, which the evangelist referred to as the kingdom. Conversely, harmful and sinful influences arise externally, leading to shame. Humanity, made in the image of God (See Colossians 3:10), inherently carries the seeds of goodness. However, those who are led astray stray into vice without divine prompting.