Job 21
Everyone has questions. “Why” questions. “What if” questions. “Where is God” questions. Are there some questions we dare not ask out loud? Christian writer Philip Yancey thinks so. He offers these three:[1]
- Is God unfair? Why doesn’t he consistently punish evildoers and reward the good? Why do bad things happen to people without discernible reason, regardless of whether they are good or bad?
- Is God silent? If he truly cares about us following his will, why doesn’t he make that will apparent?
- Is God hidden? Why doesn’t he sometimes appear visibly and dumbfound the skeptics?
Long before Yancey, a man named Job asked these same questions and voiced them aloud. The beauty of studying Job lies in the fact that we’re not merely viewing a single snapshot but experiencing the whole story—from his blessings to his tragedies, including Job’s questions for God and God’s responses to him, culminating in Job’s restoration. Additionally, God gives us a glimpse into heaven, allowing us to listen in on his conversations with Satan. What a gift God has granted us in the book of Job!
Even with the insights from this account, we still have questions. We can relate to Job’s many probing conversations with God. Why do the wicked prosper? This is not the issue of prosperity theology presented by Job’s friends, which claims that blessings always follow obedience and punishment follows disobedience. We accept our tests, knowing that God is growing and refining us. Yet, why do the wicked seem to succeed in life? Job wrestled with this and sought answers.
Job 21:7-16
Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? 8 Their offspring are established in their presence, and their descendants before their eyes. 9 Their houses are safe from fear, and no rod of God is upon them. 10 Their bull breeds without fail; their cow calves and does not miscarry. 11 They send out their little boys like a flock, and their children dance. 12 They sing to the tambourine and the lyre and rejoice to the sound of the pipe. 13 They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to Sheol. 14 They say to God, ‘Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of your ways. 15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’ 16 Behold, is not their prosperity in their hand? The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
I have a feeling you can relate to Job’s questions. Life doesn’t always seem to make sense. Job isn’t finished yet; he offers more details about the actions of the wicked.
Job stated that the wicked “move landmarks” and steal livestock (24:2). They mistreat widows and “thrust the poor off the road” (24:3-4). They abuse the poor, taking away their clothing and shelter, leading them to “lie all night naked, without clothing, and have no covering in the cold” (24:7). The poor remain hungry, and ironically, they are the ones who “tread the winepresses, but suffer thirst” (24:11). The wicked are murderers and adulterers (24:14-17). Yet, the wicked “dies in his full vigor, being wholly at ease and secure” (21:23). Everything that Job says about evildoers is something we have witnessed.
Let’s pause here and put this into context. Remember the structure of the book: Job’s three friends delivered three rounds of speeches, and Job responded to each one. In his remarks, Zophar advocated for prosperity theology—those who are obedient receive blessings, while the wicked face punishment. However, in response to Zophar’s accusations, Job contends, “Hold on, Zophar. Your argument doesn’t hold water. There are numerous examples that prove otherwise. The wicked who oppress others live long lives, run successful businesses, and their children thrive in health and success. Your theology, Zophar, is flawed.”
Even without the inclination towards prosperity theology, “Why do the wicked prosper?” continues to resonate in our hearts. We conclude that God is unjust. Let’s reflect on this question with a long-term perspective. Solomon’s words are helpful here.
Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.
Do you see what Solomon is saying? Evil deeds are not immediately judged. So, a person who does wrong and gets by with it keeps doing wrong, feeling like they will always get away with it. Sometimes, the unbeliever does live a life of ease. One writer says it well:
We need to get stereotyped images of lost people out of our minds. Far too many Christians have the idea that because a person is an unbeliever, he’s stupid. Not true! Many of the lost are brilliant. In fact, some are more brilliant than many of us will ever dream of being. Furthermore, many of the lost live easier lives than many of us. And they aren’t instantly judged or taken from the earth before turning forty. Many of them live well and live long, even though they live alienated from the Almighty. It’s easy to let that reality confuse us.[2]
The wicked may indeed prosper on this earth. Don’t let that confuse you or cause your faith to waver. A life with Jesus signifies a life that transcends this one. Our journey with Christ isn’t centered on social status, extravagant lifestyles, or perfect health. Job reminds us that “life is a breath” (7:7), “swifter than a runner,” as fast as “an eagle swooping on the prey” (9:25-26). Life is fleeting. Eternity is everlasting. The believer lives for the life that exists beyond this one.
PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 21
Read Job 21. Consider Job’s response to Zophar. The wicked may prosper now…but not for eternity.
Talking to God
Talk to God about comparing your life with others. Ask God to help you keep your focus on him.
Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon.
Recently, Craig Wolfley went to be with the Lord. He was a former Steeler, the color analyst for the Pittsburgh Steelers Broadcast Network, and a friend. In tribute to Craig, we re-released a podcast he did a few months ago. Find it on your favorite podcast platform. The Journey with Ron Moore Podcast Episode 69.
[1] Philip Yancey, Disappointment with God: Three Questions No One Asks Aloud (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1988), 43-48.
[2] Charles Swindoll, Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance (Thomas Nelson: 2004), 176.
Excellent message. This one is a keeper. It really resonated with me thank you. 😊