Job - Chapter 21

Job 21.1 But Job answered and said, Job 21.2 Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. Job 21.3 Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on. Job 21.4 As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? Job 21.5 Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth. Job 21.6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. Job 21.7 Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? Job 21.8 Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. Job 21.9 Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. Job 21.10 Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf. Job 21.11 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. Job 21.12 They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. Job 21.13 They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Job 21.14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. Job 21.15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? Job 21.16 Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me. Job 21.17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger. Job 21.18 They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away. Job 21.19 God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it. Job 21.20 His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty. Job 21.21 For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst? Job 21.22 Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high. Job 21.23 One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. Job 21.24 His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow. Job 21.25 And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. Job 21.26 They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them. Job 21.27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me. Job 21.28 For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked? Job 21.29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens, Job 21.30 That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. Job 21.31 Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done? Job 21.32 Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb. Job 21.33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him. Job 21.34 How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?

Job : Chapter 21

Job's Reply to His Friends: A Reflection on the Prosperity of the Wicked Job 21 represents a significant response from Job to his friends. It raises a profound question: Why do the wicked prosper? In this pivotal speech, Job challenges the apparent injustice of the wicked's prosperity, opposing the simplistic view of punishment his friends have adopted. This text addresses themes such as the complexity of divine justice, the reality of the suffering of the righteous, and the apparent impunity of the wicked in this life. Job 21 delves into the heart of the enigma of human suffering and theodicy. We invite you to explore with us five biblical passages that shed light on the provocative themes of this thought-provoking chapter.

Psalm 73:3-5

"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of these wicked people. They do not suffer, but their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from everyone's burdens; they are not affected by diseases like other men."

This psalm reflects Job's question in Job 21 about why the wicked sometimes prosper. It highlights the anguish of those who seek justice.

Jeremiah 12:1

"You are righteous, Lord, when I bring a matter before you. Yet I would argue with you about your justice. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the treacherous live without problems?"

Jeremiah expresses a frustration similar to Job's, questioning the apparent prosperity of the wicked and God's justice.

Malachi 3:15

"Today we consider the arrogant happy. Those who do evil not only prosper, but when they put God to the test, they go unpunished."

Malachi addresses the same dilemma presented in Job 21, highlighting the impunity of the wicked and the questions it raises.

Habakkuk 1:13

"Your eyes are so pure that they cannot bear to see evil; you cannot tolerate evil. Why then do you tolerate the wicked? Why do you remain silent while the wicked devour those who are more righteous than they?"

Habakkuk shares a similar perplexity to Job, questioning God's tolerance of the wicked.

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise, as some count slowness. But he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance."

Peter offers a perspective on the apparent delay in judging the wicked, a theme also addressed in Job 21, recalling God's patience with humanity.

These passages invite us to reflect on divine justice and to understand that the prosperity of the wicked is not always an indication of God's approval, but rather a call to understand the complexity of suffering and faith.