Job 27:17
what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent.
What he lays up
This phrase refers to the wealth and treasures accumulated by the wicked. The Hebrew root for "lays up" is "צָפַן" (tsaphan), which means to hide or store up. In the context of Job, it suggests the futility of amassing wealth through unrighteous means. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of hoarding wealth as a sign of power and security. However, Job implies that such efforts are ultimately in vain, as God’s justice will prevail.

the righteous will wear
The term "righteous" comes from the Hebrew "צַדִּיק" (tsaddiq), meaning just or lawful. In the biblical context, the righteous are those who live according to God’s laws and principles. The imagery of wearing suggests that the righteous will not only inherit the wealth but will also be adorned or honored by it. This reflects a common biblical theme where the faithful are rewarded, not necessarily in material terms, but in spiritual and moral standing.

and his silver
Silver, in ancient times, was a symbol of wealth and economic power. The Hebrew word for silver is "כֶּסֶף" (kesef). In Job’s time, silver was used as currency and a measure of wealth. The mention of silver here underscores the tangible assets that the wicked accumulate, which are ultimately transient and will be redistributed by divine justice.

will be divided
The phrase "will be divided" comes from the Hebrew "חָלַק" (chalaq), meaning to apportion or distribute. This suggests a reallocation of resources, emphasizing the biblical principle that God will ensure justice is served. The division of wealth signifies a reversal of fortunes, where the unjust gains of the wicked are redistributed to those who are innocent and deserving.

by the innocent
The word "innocent" is derived from the Hebrew "נָקִי" (naqiy), meaning clean or free from guilt. In the biblical narrative, the innocent are those who have not been tainted by sin or wrongdoing. This phrase highlights the ultimate justice of God, where those who have maintained their integrity and purity are rewarded. It serves as an encouragement to remain steadfast in righteousness, trusting that God will vindicate the innocent in His time.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, yet remains steadfast in his faith.

2. The Righteous
Those who live in accordance with God's will and commandments, often contrasted with the wicked in biblical literature.

3. The Innocent
Individuals who are free from guilt or sin, often synonymous with the righteous in the context of divine justice.

4. The Wicked
Those who live in opposition to God's laws, often accumulating wealth through unjust means.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical book in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the sovereignty of God.
Teaching Points
Divine Justice and Redistribution
The verse underscores the biblical principle that God ultimately ensures justice, where the wealth accumulated by the wicked will benefit the righteous and innocent. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereign control over material possessions.

The Futility of Wickedness
Accumulating wealth through unjust means is ultimately futile, as it will not provide lasting security or satisfaction. This encourages believers to pursue righteousness and integrity.

Trust in God's Provision
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision and timing, knowing that He will provide for the righteous and ensure that justice prevails.

Eternal Perspective on Wealth
This verse invites Christians to adopt an eternal perspective on wealth, focusing on spiritual riches and the inheritance that comes from living a life pleasing to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 27:17 challenge our understanding of wealth and its ultimate purpose?

2. In what ways can we see the principle of divine justice at work in the world today, as described in Job 27:17?

3. How can believers maintain integrity and righteousness in their financial dealings, knowing that God will ultimately reward the righteous?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our focus remains on spiritual wealth rather than material accumulation?

5. How do the themes in Job 27:17 connect with Jesus' teachings on wealth and possessions in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 13:22
This verse speaks about the wealth of the sinner being stored up for the righteous, echoing the theme of divine justice and the eventual transfer of wealth from the wicked to the righteous.

Ecclesiastes 2:26
Discusses how God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness to those who please Him, but the sinner's task is to gather and store up wealth to be given to those who please God.

Psalm 37:29
Highlights the inheritance of the righteous, emphasizing the enduring possession of the land by those who follow God's ways.
The Wicked Working for the GoodW.F. Adeney Job 27:17
Job a Victor in the ControversyE. Johnson Job 27:1-23
God's Treatment of Wicked MenHomilistJob 27:11-23
Zophar's Missing SpeechAlbert Barnes.Job 27:11-23
The Portion of a Wicked ManW.F. Adeney Job 27:13-23
The Reward of IniquityR. Green Job 27:13-23
HoardingHomilistJob 27:16-17
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Apportion, Divide, Free, Heritage, Innocent, Pile, Prepare, Prepareth, Putteth, Ready, Righteous, Silver, Sin, Upright, Wear
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 27:16-17

     5476   property
     8812   riches, ungodly use

Job 27:16-19

     8761   fools, in teaching of Christ

Library
The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity
Who, then, is this "wicked man," thus portrayed before us? And what are the first symptoms of his depravity? We ask not the question idly, but in order that we take heed against the uprise of such an evil in ourselves. "Beneath the saintly veil the votary of sin May lurk unseen; and to that eye alone Which penetrates the heart, may stand revealed." The hypocrite is very often an exceedingly neat imitation of the Christian. To the common observer he is so good a counterfeit that he entirely escapes
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Whether Hypocrisy is Contrary to the virtue of Truth?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is not contrary to the virtue of truth. For in dissimulation or hypocrisy there is a sign and a thing signified. Now with regard to neither of these does it seem to be opposed to any special virtue: for a hypocrite simulates any virtue, and by means of any virtuous deeds, such as fasting, prayer and alms deeds, as stated in Mat. 6:1-18. Therefore hypocrisy is not specially opposed to the virtue of truth. Objection 2: Further, all dissimulation seems to proceed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

On the Interior Man
The interior man is the rational soul; in the apostle: have in your hearts, in the interior man, Christ through faith. [Eph. 3:16] His head is Christ; in the apostle: the head of the man is Christ. [I Cor. 11:3] The crown of the head is the height of righteousness; in Solomon: for the crown of your head has received the crown of grace. The same in a bad part: the crown of hairs having walked about in their own delights, that is, in the height of iniquity. [Prov. 4:9; Ps. 67(68):22(21)] The hair is
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Wesley in St. Albans Abbey
Monday, July 30.--l preached at Bingham, ten miles from Nottingham. I really admired the exquisite stupidity of the people. They gaped and stared while I was speaking of death and judgment, as if they had never heard of such things before. And they were not helped by two surly, ill-mannered clergymen, who seemed to be just as wise as themselves. The congregation at Houghton in the evening was more noble, behaving with the utmost decency. Tuesday, 31.--At nine I preached in the market place at Loughborough,
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

God's Sovereignty and Prayer
"If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us" (1 John 5:14). Throughout this book it has been our chief aim to exalt the Creator and abase the creature. The well-nigh universal tendency now, is to magnify man and dishonour and degrade God. On every hand it will be found that, when spiritual things are under discussion, the human side and element is pressed and stressed, and the Divine side, if not altogether ignored, is relegated to the background. This holds true of very much of the
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

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

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