Chapter 418 of 1163

JOB 20

Zophar’s speech is an echo of Bildad’s (chap. 18) as he describes the fate of the wicked man. The speech did not apply to Job, but it should be taken to heart by self-confident, successful people who leave God out of their lives.

Success is temporary (1–11). No matter how rich, famous, or secure he may be, the wicked person will eventually perish. Zophar used graphic images: he will go away like refuse (v. 7, human excrement) or like a dream or night vision (v. 8). Here today, gone tomorrow! Ponder James 4:13–17 and 1 John 2:17.

Life is bitter (12–19). Dainty food becomes poison and wealth makes him sick. The things he thought he would enjoy only bring pain to him. Riches without God can never give anyone true enjoyment (1 Tim. 6:1–10).

Life is painful (20–29). He has no peace because everybody has declared war on him, including God, who rains judgment on him. Arrows (note 6:4), terrors, darkness, and fire are his lot, and then—the end.

Zophar tried to frighten Job into confessing his sins and “getting right with God,” but his approach did not work. The fear of God is a legitimate motive for obedience (Matt. 10:28), but it is not the only motive and it must be tempered by love (2 Cor. 5:10–11, 14).

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