Nothing is left for him to consume; thus his prosperity will not endure. Nothing is leftThe Hebrew word for "nothing" here is "אַיִן" (ayin), which conveys a sense of absolute emptiness or nonexistence. This word emphasizes the total depletion of resources or wealth. In the context of Zophar's speech, it underscores the idea that the wicked, despite their temporary accumulation of wealth, will ultimately be left with nothing. This reflects a broader biblical theme that material wealth is fleeting and cannot provide lasting security or fulfillment. for him to consume
The phrase "to consume" comes from the Hebrew root "אָכַל" (akal), meaning to eat or devour. This imagery of consumption suggests a voracious appetite or greed that characterizes the wicked. Historically, this can be seen as a critique of those who hoard resources or exploit others for personal gain. The Bible often contrasts this with the righteous, who are called to be generous and to trust in God's provision. thus, his prosperity
The word "prosperity" is translated from the Hebrew "חֵיל" (cheil), which can mean wealth, strength, or power. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor. However, the Book of Job challenges this notion by showing that prosperity can be temporary and deceptive. True prosperity, from a biblical perspective, is not merely material wealth but includes spiritual well-being and alignment with God's will. will not endure
The phrase "will not endure" is derived from the Hebrew "קָם" (qam), meaning to rise or stand. This suggests that the prosperity of the wicked is unstable and cannot withstand the test of time. The Bible frequently warns against placing trust in riches, as they are uncertain and can quickly vanish. This serves as a reminder of the eternal perspective that believers are encouraged to adopt, focusing on treasures in heaven rather than earthly wealth. Persons / Places / Events 1. Zophar the NaamathiteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. Zophar is known for his harsh and direct speeches, often emphasizing God's justice and the consequences of wickedness. 2. JobThe central figure of the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job's account explores themes of suffering, justice, and faithfulness. 3. The DialogueThis verse is part of Zophar's second speech to Job, where he argues that the wicked will ultimately face ruin and that their prosperity is temporary. Teaching Points The Temporary Nature of Earthly ProsperityEarthly wealth and success are fleeting and cannot provide lasting security or fulfillment. True prosperity is found in a relationship with God. The Consequences of WickednessZophar's speech serves as a reminder that living a life contrary to God's ways leads to eventual ruin. It is a call to examine our lives and align them with God's righteousness. The Importance of ContentmentThe insatiable desire for more can lead to spiritual emptiness. Contentment in God's provision is key to enduring prosperity. Trust in God's JusticeWhile Zophar's application may be flawed, the principle that God is just remains true. We can trust that God will ultimately bring justice, even if it is not in our timing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Zophar's perspective on the prosperity of the wicked challenge or affirm your understanding of wealth and success? 2. In what ways can the temporary nature of earthly prosperity influence your priorities and decisions today? 3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 37 and Proverbs 11:4, reinforce the message of Job 20:21? 4. What steps can you take to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision in your life? 5. How can you apply the principle of God's justice to situations where you see apparent prosperity among those who do not follow God's ways? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 37This Psalm discusses the fate of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that the prosperity of the wicked is short-lived, similar to Zophar's argument. Proverbs 11:4This verse highlights that wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, aligning with the idea that material prosperity does not guarantee lasting security. Ecclesiastes 5:10This verse speaks to the insatiable nature of wealth and how it does not bring true satisfaction, echoing the futility of the wicked's prosperity. People Job, ZopharPlaces UzTopics Cause, Desire, Devour, Devoured, Didn't, Eaten, Endure, Escaped, Goods, Greediness, Meat, None, Nothing, Prosperity, Quickly, Remains, Remnant, Stay, Well-beingDictionary of Bible Themes Job 20:20-23 5185 stomach Library June 9 Evening
The triumphing of the wicked is short.--JOB 20:5. Thou shalt bruise his heel.--This is your hour, and the power of darkness.--As the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.--Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily PathThe Christian Urged To, and Assisted In, an Express Act of Self-Dedication to the Service of God.
1. The advantages of such a surrender are briefly suggested.-- 2, 3, 4. Advice for the manner of doing it; that it be deliberate, cheerful, entire, perpetual.--5. And that it be expressed with some affecting solemnity.--6. A written instrument to be signed and declared before God, at some season of extraordinary devotion, reposed. The chapter concludes with a specimen of such an instrument, together with an abstract of it, to be used with proper and requisite alterations. 1. AS I would hope, that, …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Whether the Ashes from which the Human Body Will be Restored have any Natural Inclination Towards the Soul which Will be United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that the ashes from which the human body will be restored will have a natural inclination towards the soul which will be united to them. For if they had no inclination towards the soul, they would stand in the same relation to that soul as other ashes. Therefore it would make no difference whether the body that is to be united to that soul were restored from those ashes or from others: and this is false. Objection 2: Further, the body is more dependent on the soul than …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica God.
GLORY OF GOD. God is the chief good--good so as nothing is but himself. He is in himself most happy; yea, all good and all true happiness are only to be found in God, as that which is essential to his nature; nor is there any good or any happiness in or with any creature or thing but what is communicated to it by God. God is the only desirable good; nothing without him is worthy of our hearts. Right thoughts of God are able to ravish the heart; how much more happy is the man that has interest in …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan The Hardening Operation of Love.
"Being grieved for the hardness of their heart."--Mark iii. 5. Love may also be reversed. Failing to cherish, to uplift, and to enrich, it consumes and destroys. This is a mystery which man can not fathom. It belongs to the unsearchable depths of the divine Being, of which we do not wish to know more than has been revealed. But this does not alter the fact. No creature can exclude itself from the divine control. No man can say that he has nothing to do with God; that he or any other creature exists …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times The Barren Fig-Tree;
OR, THE DOOM AND DOWNFALL OF THE FRUITLESS PROFESSOR: SHOWING, THAT THE DAY OF GRACE MAY BE PAST WITH HIM LONG BEFORE HIS LIFE IS ENDED; THE SIGNS ALSO BY WHICH SUCH MISERABLE MORTALS MAY BE KNOWN. BY JOHN BUNYAN 'Who being dead, yet speaketh.'--Hebrews 11:4 London: Printed for J. Robinson, at the Golden Lion, in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1688. This Title has a broad Black Border. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This solemn, searching, awful treatise, was published by Bunyan in 1682; but does not appear …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 An Exhortation to Love God
1. An exhortation. Let me earnestly persuade all who bear the name of Christians to become lovers of God. "O love the Lord, all ye his saints" (Psalm xxxi. 23). There are but few that love God: many give Him hypocritical kisses, but few love Him. It is not so easy to love God as most imagine. The affection of love is natural, but the grace is not. Men are by nature haters of God (Rom. i. 30). The wicked would flee from God; they would neither be under His rules, nor within His reach. They fear God, …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Man's Misery by the Fall
Q-19: WHAT IS THE MISERY OF THAT ESTATE WHEREINTO MAN FELL? A: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. 'And were by nature children of wrath.' Eph 2:2. Adam left an unhappy portion to his posterity, Sin and Misery. Having considered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to the misery of that state. In the first, we have seen mankind offending; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Job 20:21 NIVJob 20:21 NLTJob 20:21 ESVJob 20:21 NASBJob 20:21 KJV
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