What is the meaning of Job 5:2?

For resentment kills a fool

“ For resentment kills a fool ” (Job 5:2) points to the self-destructive power of harboring bitterness.

• Resentment—whether over hurt, injustice, or disappointment—turns inward and corrodes character. Cain’s anger “was very hot” before he killed Abel (Genesis 4:5-8), confirming that unresolved wrath leads to literal death.

• Scripture links unchecked anger to folly: “A fool’s anger is known at once” (Proverbs 12:16). Eliphaz is stating a fact, not merely offering advice; bitterness truly “kills.”

• The damage shows up in several ways:

– Spiritual: it “gives the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

– Emotional: it steals joy and peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

– Relational: it ruptures fellowship (Hebrews 12:15).

• God’s remedy is immediate release: “Do not let the sun set upon your anger” (Ephesians 4:26).

Staying resentful is the mark of a fool because it refuses God’s way of forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) and invites His discipline (Matthew 18:34-35).

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and envy slays the simple

“ …and envy slays the simple ” (Job 5:2) shifts the focus to jealousy.

• Envy desires what others have; it resents their blessings. Joseph’s brothers “were jealous of him” and plotted his downfall (Genesis 37:11, 18-20).

• The “simple” are the naive, those lacking godly discernment (Proverbs 1:4). Their openness makes them vulnerable to the poison of envy, which “rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).

• Slaying happens through:

– Spiritual deadness: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder” (James 3:16).

– Moral collapse: Saul’s jealousy of David led him into murderous rage (1 Samuel 18:8-11).

– Physical consequences: stress-related illness, violence, even war (James 4:1-2).

• God calls His people to contentment: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Trusting the Lord’s provision crushes envy (Psalm 37:4-7).

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summary

Job 5:2 delivers a double warning: bitterness and jealousy are fatal. Resentment consumes the fool from within, and envy destroys the undiscerning. The antidote is swift forgiveness, heartfelt gratitude, and steadfast trust in God’s sovereign goodness, ensuring that neither resentment nor envy finds a home in the believer’s heart.