Job – Chapter 18

Old Testament21 Verses

1Then Baldad the Suhite answered, and said:

2How long will you throw out words? understand first, and so let us speak.

3Why are we reputed as beasts, and counted vile before you?

4Thou that destroyest thy soul in thy fury, shall the earth be forsaken for thee, and shall rocks be removed out of their place?

5Shall not the light of the wicked be extinguished, and the flame of his fire not shine?

6The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and the lamp that is over him, shall be put out.

7The step of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down headlong.

8For he hath thrust his feet into a net, and walketh in its meshes.

9The sole of his foot shall be held in a snare, and thirst shall burn against him.

10A gin is hidden for him in the earth, and his trap upon the path.

11Fears shall terrify him on every side, and shall entangle his feet.

12Let his strength be wasted with famine, and let hunger invade his ribs.

13Let it devour the beauty of his skin, let the firstborn death consume his arms.

14Let his confidence be rooted out of his tabernacle, and let destruction tread upon him like a king.

15Let the companions of him that is not, dwell in his tabernacle, let brimstone be sprinkled in his tent.

16Let his roots be dried up beneath, and his harvest destroyed above.

17Let the memory of him perish from the earth, and let not his name be renowned in the streets.

18He shall drive him out of light into darkness, and shall remove him out of the world.

19His seed shall not subsist, nor his offspring among his people, nor any remnants in his country.

20They that come after him shall be astonished at his day, and horror shall fall upon them that went before.

21These then are the tabernacles of the wicked, and this the place of him that knoweth not God.

Reflection for Today

The message of Job Chapter 18 unfolds within the broader narrative of suffering, faith, and divine mystery. Catholic theology, drawing on the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that God's ways transcend human understanding guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Deepen your understanding with these related articles