Job 12:5

For calamity, ¹  there is derision (according to the ideas of the fortunate ² ) – a fate ³  for those whose feet slip!

Men at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.

"He who is at ease holds calamity in contempt, As prepared for those whose feet slip.

People who are at ease mock those in trouble. They give a push to people who are stumbling.

It's easy for the well-to-do to point their fingers in blame, for the well-fixed to pour scorn on the strugglers.

In the thought of him who is in comfort there is no respect for one who is in trouble; such is the fate of those whose feet are slipping.

Those at ease have contempt for misfortune, but it is ready for those whose feet are unstable.

A lamp is despised in the thought of one who is at ease; It is made ready for those whose feet slip.

For calamity, ¹  there is derision (according to the ideas of the fortunate ² ) – a fate ³  for those whose feet slip!

¹ tn The first word, לַפִּיד (lapid), could be rendered “a torch of scorn,” but this gives no satisfying meaning. The ל (lamed) is often taken as an otiose letter, and the noun פִּיד (pid) is “misfortune, calamity” (cf. Job 30:24; 31:29).

² tn The noun עַשְׁתּוּת (’ashtut, preferably עַשְׁתּוֹת, ’ashtot) is an abstract noun from עָשַׁת (’ashat, “to think”). The word שַׁאֲנָן (sha’anan) means “easy in mind, carefree,” and “happy.”

³ tn The form has traditionally been taken to mean “is ready” from the verb כּוּן (kun, “is fixed, sure”). But many commentators look for a word parallel to “calamity.” So the suggestion has been put forward that נָכוֹן (nakhon) be taken as a noun from נָכָה (nakhah, “strike, smite”): “a blow” (Schultens, Dhorme, Gordis), “thrust” or “kick” (HALOT 698 s.v. I נָכוֹן).