Verses 1-18
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This entire chapter speaks of one key question: Why does God allow the wicked to oppress others? And why does He forgive them, or not judge them sooner?
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First, Job wonders why God does not reveal more of His ways to those who know Him (verse 1).
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Job, in particular, wonders why God doesn't reveal more about His reasons for allowing the wicked to prosper for so long.
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In some cases, it seems that God “does not charge them with wrong” (verse 12b).
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Because of the knowledge of the gospel, we don't have to wonder like Job did. We understand that God forgives all the past sins of those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19). And now, while sinners continue, they are not immediately judged because they are given ample time and opportunity to learn of Christ and repent.
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Though you may be frustrated over the sins of others, be patient with them. Extend grace and kindness to all people!
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Verses 19-25
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We learn that even the wicked survive on the security that God gives all His creation (verse 23). An example of this is found in Jesus' words in Matthew: “...He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).
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We all have a choice to use the gifts and provisions in creation for evil or for good. To sin is to use the gifts of God for evil.
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Though God allows this, and is kind in so doing, remember that He still watches closely and knows all our ways (verse 23b). Ultimately, He will punish such sin and misuse of His gifts after death.
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Knowing this, remember to use the gifts of your life, your mind, and your body to glorify God. Honor His kindness and grace to you by being obedient to Him! See 1 Peter 2:16 and Galatians 5:13.
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