Job 12:5

Job 12:5. Is ready, &c.— This is much more beautiful in the original. It is a metaphor taken from the archer, whose arrow is fitted to the string, and ready to be discharged. The word שׁאנן shaanan, here rendered at ease, doth not make so complete a sense as could be wished: its root, שׁאן shaan, particularly refers to such wicked persons as are so void of humanity, that the afflictions of their neighbours are a pleasure to them; and who are so far from endeavouring to alleviate them, that it is their delight to increase them by taunts and insults. I render the whole verse, In calamity, contempt is ready in the thoughts of the insolent, for those whose feet are tottering. Heath.