20 May Job 20

In Job 20, Zophar, one of Job's friends, rebukes him, claiming that the wicked, though they may prosper temporarily, will face inevitable destruction. Zophar argues that Job’s suffering is a result of his own sin, and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. The chapter highlights the tension between the perceived justice of God and the reality of human suffering.

Joy for the godless only lasts for a moment

In Job 20:4-5, Zophar emphasises the fleeting nature of the wicked person’s triumphs: “Do you not know this from the old days, Since the time that man was placed on the earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless is only for a moment?” (AMP). He asserts that the exaltation of the wicked is temporary, and their joy is brief. This idea echoes the biblical truth that sin promises joy but ultimately fails to deliver lasting satisfaction.

This fleeting nature of wickedness is reinforced throughout Scripture:

Psalm 89:14 (NKJV): "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face." Here, God's reign is established on justice and righteousness, unlike the fleeting nature of worldly success.

Psalm 37:35-36 (NLT): "I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!" Even when the wicked appear prosperous, their end comes unexpectedly.

Psalm 92:7-9 (NLT): "Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, O Lord, will be exalted forever. Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish; all evildoers will be scattered." The wicked may flourish temporarily but will face destruction, while God's eternal reign remains unchallenged.

John Owen succinctly captures the danger of sin with the statement: "Be killing sin or sin will be killing you." Sin may offer fleeting pleasure, but it is ultimately destructive.

1 John 2:17 (NLT) speaks to the impermanence of worldly desires: "And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." True, lasting joy and life come from living in accordance with God's will, not from the temporary pleasures of sin.

Eternal matters

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV) reveals that God has placed eternity in human hearts: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." This longing for eternal things points us to the ultimate source of eternal life—Jesus Christ.

Though the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their ultimate end is destruction. In contrast, those who pursue righteousness and trust in God will find eternal joy. God's justice is eternal, and He has promised that those who walk in His ways will receive everlasting life, as shown in John 10:28: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish."

In summary, while sin offers momentary joy, it can never satisfy. True and lasting joy is found in righteousness and in Christ, who offers eternal life to those who believe in Him. Let us fix our hearts on what is eternal, seeking God's grace, righteousness and justice as the foundation of our lives.