Job 17:5 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

He that speaketh flattery to his friends— The Hebrew of this verse literally runs thus: תכלננ בניו ועיני רעים יגיד לחלק lechelek yaggiid reiim veeinei banaiv tiklenah, He shall reckon friends for a portion or inheritance, and the eyes of his children shall fail; i.e. with expectation. They may look their eyes out before they receive any benefit or assistance from these friends. The expression is proverbial, intimating how liable men are to be disappointed who depend upon the constancy of human friendships; and nothing could be more apposite to Job's purpose. Peters.