Definition: My friends scorn me: [but] mine eye poureth out [tears] unto God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful and thought-provoking verse from Job 16:20. It's a really complex passage, but we can understand it at its core. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a feeling of intense pain and distress caused by judgment – essentially, being criticized or scorned. But instead of just reacting angrily, the verse says that God responds to this criticism with tears. Let's break it down further: “My friends scorn me” : This means people are speaking negatively about you, criticizing your actions, and perhaps even making fun of you. They’re essentially saying things that hurt your feelings. “[but] mine eye poureth out tears” : This is the key part. “Eye poureth out” is a metaphorical way of saying "tear out." It means to let tears flow freely – to weep openly and deeply. So, putting it all together: The verse says that when people are critical or unkind towards you, God responds by allowing you to cry out in pain and distress. It’s a dramatic expression of being overwhelmed by negative judgment. What does this tell us about faith and suffering? This is often interpreted as a reflection on the idea that God’s love is immense , even when we are hurting. It suggests: God cares deeply: God isn't just passively letting you suffer; He actively responds to your pain with tears. We are not alone: It acknowledges that suffering and judgment can be painful, but it also points to a source of comfort – God’s empathy. Trust in God: It encourages us to trust that even when we feel like we’re being criticized, God is present and sympathetic. Important Note: This verse isn't meant to be taken literally about every criticism you receive. It's a powerful metaphor for the emotional pain of being judged harshly. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Job/16/20](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Job/16/20) Insights Bible: [https://insightsbib.com/job-16-20-verse](https://insightsbib.com/job-16-20-verse) --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail (like the symbolism of tears)? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical stories?