Job 21:7-16 | The Way of Scripture

Job 21:7-16

How can wicked people prosper without Job approving their choices?

Berean Standard Bible

7 Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? 8 Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. 9 Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. 10 Their bulls breed without fail; their cows bear calves and do not miscarry. 11 They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about, 12 singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute. 13 They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. 14 Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. 15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ 16 Still, their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked.

What is the context?

Job describes wicked people growing old and powerful, surrounded by secure families, healthy livestock, music, and enjoyment. Their experience contradicts the assertion that such people must always be visibly miserable.

They can reject God’s ways and question the profit of serving Him. Job quotes that attitude but then explicitly distances himself from their counsel.

His argument depends on keeping those two points together. Recognizing that wrongdoing can coexist with prosperity does not mean declaring the wrongdoing wise or making material success proof of God’s approval.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes that the prosperity is not finally in the wicked people’s own power and that Job does not endorse their rejection of God. The USCCB note identifies this description as a direct challenge to the friends. The observation must not be turned into the opposite rule that everyone who prospers is wicked.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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