The Triumphing of the Wicked Is Short

Note from today’s Bible reading: Job 18-21

One of Job’s friends who visited him in his affliction stated a truth regarding the eventual fate of the wicked, though he erroneously applied it to Job’s situation. Zophar said, “Do you know this from of old, from the establishment of man on earth, that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless momentary?” (Job 20:4-5).

Zophar and Job’s other friends believed he was suffering because of some sin. If this were true, applying this statement to Job’s situation would make sense. After all, Job had been prospering but had now lost everything. The triumph of the wicked is short-lived, and it was clear that Job’s good fortune had run out.

The Scriptures certainly affirm that “there will be no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out” (Proverbs 24:20). However, for the righteous, “there will be a future, and [their] hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 24:14). Both the righteous and the wicked will face hardships. However, the righteous – like Job – still have hope beyond their present trials.

So remember that the triumphing of the wicked is short. Those who reject God will eventually suffer the consequences of that decision. However, the righteous have hope, even in the face of suffering; therefore, we must not throw away our trust in God when things become difficult in life.