Job 21

Job 21:1

6. Job’s Response (Chap. 21)21:1-22 Job now asks for strict attention. His complaint is not primarily against man, although his pathetic condition should awaken human sympathy. He counters their arguments with the true observation that the wicked often prosper in every area of life and die without suffering, even if they have had no place for God in their life. How often, he asks, do the wicked reap the reward of their sins in their own lifetime? How often are they driven away like chaff in the wind? You claim God punishes a child for the sins of his father. No! Let God punish the sinners themselves; let Him show that He does it because of their sins. Let sinners bear their own punishment; let them feel the wrath of the Almighty God. When a man’s life is over, does he really care whether his children are happy? Can a man teach God who judges even those in high places? (vv. 19-22 TEV). 21:23-34 One person dies at peace and in full strength, prosperous. Another passes away in . . . bitterness and poverty. In death all are alike. If Job’s friends insist that the wicked are always punished in this life, he will appeal to those who travel extensively to testify that although the wicked may be punished in the afterlife, he often lives quite happily here. No one condemns or punishes him, and he dies just like all others. As a parting shot Job says, “And you! You try to comfort me with nonsense. Every answer you give is a lie!” (v. 34 TEV). With these words Job ends the second round of speeches between himself and his friends. These “comforters” have about reached the end of their attempts to “convict” Job of sin; they will attempt one more roundminus Zophar. The problem of the Book of Job is still unsolved. Why do the righteous suffer? Job, however, has made some progress and little glimmers of light have begun to shine through the dark enigma of his suffering.