Have you ever been engaged in a deep conversation where your find yourself responding to something hurtful that someone else has said to you?
Job finds himself in such a conversation as he responds to the arguments put forth by his friends. In Job 21, we delve into Job’s contemplation of the prosperity of the wicked, which serves as a counter-argument to his friends’ assertions.
Reconnect: In the previous chapter, we witnessed Zophar, one of Job’s friends, presenting his perspective on the fate of the wicked. Zophar discussed the apparent success of the wicked and their eventual downfall, emphasizing divine judgment. Job now responds to these ideas, providing a unique perspective on the topic.
(Summarized and continued after the scripture)
Job Says God Will Deal with the Wicked
1Then Job answered,
2“Listen carefully to my speech,
And let this be your way of consolation.
3“Bear with me that I may speak;
Then after I have spoken, you may mock.
4“As for me, is my complaint to man?
And why should I not be impatient?
5“Look at me, and be astonished,
And put your hand over your mouth.
6“Even when I remember, I am disturbed,
And horror takes hold of my flesh.
7“Why do the wicked still live,
Continue on, also become very powerful?
8“Their descendants are established with them in their sight,
And their offspring before their eyes,
9Their houses are safe from fear,
And the rod of God is not on them.
10“His ox mates without fail;
His cow calves and does not abort.
11“They send forth their little ones like the flock,
And their children skip about.
12“They sing to the timbrel and harp
And rejoice at the sound of the flute.
13“They spend their days in prosperity,
And suddenly they go down to Sheol.
14“They say to God, ‘Depart from us!
We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways.
15‘Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him,
And what would we gain if we entreat Him?’
16“Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand;
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
17“How often is the lamp of the wicked put out,
Or does their calamity fall on them?
Does God apportion destruction in His anger?
18“Are they as straw before the wind,
And like chaff which the storm carries away?
19“You say, ‘God stores away a man’s iniquity for his sons.’
Let God repay him so that he may know it.
20“Let his own eyes see his decay,
And let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21“For what does he care for his household after him,
When the number of his months is cut off?
22“Can anyone teach God knowledge,
In that He judges those on high?
23“One dies in his full strength,
Being wholly at ease and satisfied;
24His sides are filled out with fat,
And the marrow of his bones is moist,
25While another dies with a bitter soul,
Never even tasting anything good.
26“Together they lie down in the dust,
And worms cover them.
27“Behold, I know your thoughts,
And the plans by which you would wrong me.
28“For you say, ‘Where is the house of the nobleman,
And where is the tent, the dwelling places of the wicked?’
29“Have you not asked wayfaring men,
And do you not recognize their witness?
30“For the wicked is reserved for the day of calamity;
They will be led forth at the day of fury.
31“Who will confront him with his actions,
And who will repay him for what he has done?
32“While he is carried to the grave,
Men will keep watch over his tomb.
33“The clods of the valley will gently cover him;
Moreover, all men will follow after him,
While countless ones go before him.
34“How then will you vainly comfort me,
For your answers remain full of falsehood?”
Summary Key Points:
- Job’s Counter-Argument: Job offers a thought-provoking counter-argument to his friends’ assertions about the fate of the wicked. He acknowledges the reality that, at times, the wicked do indeed prosper, enjoying long lives, secure households, flourishing children, and abundant possessions.
- Questioning Divine Justice: Job’s response raises profound questions about divine justice. He wonders aloud why the wicked appear to escape suffering while they mock God and live without fear of divine retribution.
- The Unpredictability of Life: Job highlights the unpredictability of life, where both the righteous and the wicked may face suffering or prosperity, challenging the simplistic views of his friends.
Job’s response encourages us to reflect on the complexities of life and divine justice. Have you ever grappled with the apparent prosperity of those who seem far from righteous? Take time to pray and seek God’s wisdom in understanding the mysteries of life’s experiences and His divine plan.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly seek Your wisdom and guidance as we navigate life’s complexities. Help us to understand the mysteries of Your divine justice and the unpredictable nature of our journey. Grant us discernment and a heart filled with compassion. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Discussion: Share your thoughts on the questions raised by Job’s response. Have you ever questioned why the wicked appear to prosper while living in defiance of God? Engage in meaningful discussions with friends and family, and feel free to share your reflections in the comments below.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.