Job 24

But if God always punishes the wicked in this world, as you pretend, why are not particular seasons of it fixed by him? and why do not those who are best acquainted with him observe those days of vengeance on his enemies?

Job 24:2

Certain it is that in this world some are notoriously covetous and unjust, and even open robbers

Job 24:4

They harass, terrify, or even imprison, the meek, poor, and afflicted

Job 24:5

In the most unconcerned manner they carry on their oppressions; and by rapine and violence maintain themselves and families in the desert

Job 24:6

They reap fields and gather vintages not their own. 7, 8. They force from the poor whatever they have, till they reduce them to absolute misery, in a state similar to that of wild beasts

Job 24:9-11

While they infirmly deprive infants of their provision that the enslaved mothers may work, and deprive their poor underlings of the meanest necessities of life, they force them to labour in the hardest services

Job 24:12

Those whom they have oppressed wounded, or unjustly condemned, mightily cry to God for vengeance against them; yet he punishes them not, even in the slightest manner

Job 24:13

They sin impudently in the face of the sun, and against the light of nature, conscience, and revelation: they do not approve, delight in, or observe, laws; and, if at any time they stumble on a good action, they quickly go over, however easy and reasonable

Job 24:14-17

Hating the light, robbers, unclean persons, in defiance of an all-seeing God, earnestly carry on their order and whoredom in the night season

Job 24:18

Lighter than froth, they every opportunity of uncleanness or bloodshed; their inheritance is spent in most accursed manner; and they quite disregard the management of the yards, or other most profitable business

Job 24:19

After all, the grave, in a and easy manner, consumes these notorious sinners

Job 24:20

Their very majesty forget their death, it is apparently so pleasant. Rottenness shall be to them. They do not become infamous in the world, but their crimes quickly and altogether forgotten. 21, 22. They abuse barren women, in widows, and with great activity, craft, and cruelty, oppress every body around

Job 24:23

And, though men give them presents, that they may have their protection and friendship, they still watch for opportunities to injure these dependants

Job 24:24

After being exalted a while, they come to their graves, as seasonably, in appearance, and as easily, as their neighbours

Job 24:25

But, if you will insist that the wicked are always fearfully punished in this life, I dare challenge the whole world to find me the person who can disprove the facts which I have now stated. N. B. Ver. 18—20, 23, 24, may be interpreted as a representation of the miserable state of wicked men after all their prosperity

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIV.—God fixes his time and manner of punishing sinners as he pleases: and none can know either love or hatred by all that is before him in his outward lot. While the saints and poor, who are the special charge of God, are remarkably afflicted, the most daring sinners are often remarkably prosperous in this world. But the Lord has not forsaken the earth: he takes notice of every injury done to his children. And, however long his patience may bear with the presumptuous insults of sinners to his character and government, he will resent their wickedness at last. Even when they are most secure they are least safe. Though their success promise them immunity a while, and though their crimes should be concealed on earth, they will be openly discovered at last, and punished for ever. Amidst the perpetration of crimes, terror often seizes them; but how much more in sharing the certain, the fearful, the eternal, punishment of them!