Job 5:21

Modern

You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes.

Traditional

Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

Literal

From the scourge of the tongue you will be hidden, and you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes.

Latin

A flagello linguæ absconderis, et non timebis calamitatem cum venerit.

Hebrew

English

You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes.

Six calamities … in seven: This formula for wise sayings suggests a condition of completion (compare Proverbs 30:15–31).
This list reflects the blessings and curses of the covenant God gave to Moses (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28).
Eliphaz believed that people in a right relationship with God would avoid:

Famine, meaning starving. (Job 5:20, 22; see Leviticus 26:4–5, 10; Deuteronomy 28:4–6, 8, 11–12).
Battle and its destruction (Job 5:20; 5:21, 22; see Leviticus 26:6–8; Deuteronomy 28:7, 48).
Scourge of the tongue, or words spoken against them (slander).
They would even be at peace with wild animals and the stones of the field (Job 5:23; see Leviticus 26:6). This peace might mean productive fields instead of rocky ones (2 Kings 3:19, 25; Matthew 13:5). Or it might symbolize broader harmony with creation (see Psalm 91:11–12).

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 31:20
You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.
Psalm 91:5–7
You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Jeremiah 18:18
Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”
Psalm 55:21
His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
James 3:5–8
In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.
Psalm 57:4
My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.