Job 21

Verses 1-6

• Job makes it clear that his complaint is toward God, not man. Though he is troubled by his friend's words, he has no squabble with them. He is really concerned about why God has allowed such adversity to overtake him.

• He feels that God is not dealing with him, or with anyone for that matter, according to the accepted laws of the universe. This is what causes him such confusion.

Verses 7-16

• In the previous chapter, Zophar tried to explain to Job that the wicked perish quickly. In this chapter Job argues the opposite—that the wicked prosper and live long! In Chapter 20 Zophar described the destruction experienced by the wicked, possibly urging Job not to fret about the wicked, whose oppressions against him he had spoken of before (Job 16:10-11).

• Job contradicts Zophar, saying, “Why are you speaking of the destruction of the wicked, as though that would give me hope? My complaint is not against man; for though you say that the wicked are doomed, I see also that the wicked prosper!” 

  • This shows us that it is often of no comfort to a person to assure them of the destruction/judgment of those who have hurt them, because sometimes evil men prosper and thrive; and the very argument meant to encourage could potentially bring disappointment. 

    • Besides, we're not to rejoice when the wicked fall (Proverbs 24:17-18, Ezekiel 33:11). 

    • Simply remember that people in sudden disaster typically need help with how they view God. People are not really the ultimate problem.

• Job explains that God is the one who allows the wicked to prosper—their “prosperity is not in their own hand” (verse 16a) (also see Matthew 5:45, Luke 6:35). But why would God allow this since their prosperity causes them to ignore God? Because of their wealth they feel they don't need God, and they don't see how serving God could improve their lives any more (verses 14-15). 

Verses 17-21

• Job here shows that he does not often see the wicked punished, and wishes that they would be destroyed early, seeing the consequences of their sin during their own lifetime (verse 19b-20).

Verses 22-26

• Though Job is confused about why wicked people prosper, he trust that God's knowledge is greater than his own (verse 22).

  • Hold on to your theology loosely. We could be wrong about many things. In confusing times, rather than trying to make sense of why the events God allows contradict our understanding, simply admit that your understanding is incomplete and seek correction.

• What is Job's point? His own suffering, and his observation of the glee of wicked men around him, proves that not everything happens according to the accepted understanding of theology and human life. All kinds of people die, good and bad. Some die before their time, and some well after they should have died. In the end, it seems that all have the same fate.

Verses 27-34

• Job finishes by showing his friends that their words are empty because they do not apply—they are untrue in this sense. 

  • Remember that wrong theology, no matter how eloquent, is unhelpful. Do not use your knowledge overconfidently, for the very words you think will help may only cause damage. It's better not to speak on what you don't fully understand.

• Job says that his friends could ask anyone with common sense and learn, which Job is trying to teach them, that the wicked will ultimately be punished on the day of their death, even though that day often comes much later than we would prefer (verse 30). 

  • In times of frustration over the sin and evil that's enduring in the world, remember that final justice must come at death, when the wicked are judged in hell. For now, be patient with sinners, as God is, and seek their repentance!