Job 15:29

KJV

He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall not be rich {H6238}, neither shall his substance {H2428} continue {H6965}, neither shall he prolong {H5186} the perfection {H4512} thereof upon the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

therefore he will not remain rich, his wealth will not endure, his produce will not bend [the grain stalks] to the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

He will no longer be rich; his wealth will not endure. His possessions will not overspread the land.

American Standard Version

He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, Neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:29 presents a definitive declaration from Eliphaz the Temanite, delivered in his second discourse to Job. This verse encapsulates Eliphaz's core argument that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, asserting the inevitable and comprehensive downfall of the wicked. Specifically, it highlights their inherent inability to accumulate lasting wealth, maintain their possessions, or establish any enduring legacy or true stability on earth. Within the broader narrative of Job's trials, Eliphaz's statement functions as a pointed, albeit indirect, accusation against Job, implying that his current state of destitution and loss is irrefutable evidence of his presumed wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 15:29 is embedded within Eliphaz's second and most aggressive speech (Job 15:1-35), which serves as a harsh rebuttal to Job's lament in [Job 14](/job/14 "Job 14 - Job's Lament and Despair and Hope"). Eliphaz, acting as the primary voice among Job's friends, aims to defend God's justice by rigidly upholding the traditional wisdom that the righteous are blessed with prosperity and the wicked are afflicted with suffering. This particular verse is part of a vivid and extended description of the wicked's miserable fate (Job 15:20-35), where Eliphaz paints a grim picture of their terror, distress, fleeting prosperity, familial destruction, and ultimate divine judgment. By presenting these general pronouncements about the wicked, Eliphaz implicitly applies them to Job's inexplicable suffering, subtly urging him to confess his supposed sin and repent. This entire discourse, like those of the other friends, ultimately fails to account for Job's blameless suffering, thereby setting the stage for Job's continued defense of his integrity and the eventual divine intervention that will correct their flawed theology.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conventional wisdom articulated by Eliphaz and his companions reflects a prevalent ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine retribution, often referred to as "retribution theology" or "Deuteronomic theology" due to its strong presence in texts like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). This worldview posited a direct, observable, and immediate correlation between one's moral actions and one's temporal circumstances: righteous living was believed to guarantee blessings, health, wealth, and a long life, while wickedness invariably led to curses, sickness, poverty, and an early demise. This framework provided a seemingly logical and pragmatic explanation for the order of the world, offering a clear moral calculus. However, the Book of Job fundamentally challenges this simplistic and rigid retribution theology by demonstrating that God's ways are far more complex and that suffering can indeed occur independently of personal sin. Eliphaz's speech, therefore, represents the dominant, yet ultimately insufficient, human wisdom of the era attempting to explain the inexplicable complexities of divine justice and human suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and Eliphaz's speech as a whole, contributes significantly to several core themes within the Book of Job. Firstly, it highlights **the transience of wicked prosperity**, a recurring theme in biblical wisdom literature (e.g., [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalm/73-18-19 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Slippery Path of the Wicked")). Eliphaz insists that any success achieved by the unrighteous is inherently unstable and will not endure, contrasting sharply with the human desire for lasting security and legacy. Secondly, it underscores the firm belief in **divine judgment and retribution**, implying that God's moral order ensures the downfall of the wicked. This reflects a rigid view of divine justice that the book ultimately critiques. Finally, and most significantly for the broader narrative, Eliphaz's words exemplify **flawed human wisdom**. While his general observations about the instability of ill-gotten gains may hold true, his application of this principle to Job is profoundly erroneous. The entire drama of Job serves to demonstrate that God's ways are beyond human comprehension, and suffering is not always a direct punishment for sin, nor is prosperity always a sign of righteousness, directly challenging the very foundation of Eliphaz's argument and the conventional wisdom of his time, as seen in the ultimate divine vindication of Job in [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God's Rebuke of Eliphaz and the Friends").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rich (Hebrew, _‘âshar'_ H6238):** From a primitive root meaning "to accumulate," this word specifically refers to the act of growing or becoming wealthy, or making oneself rich. In Job 15:29, Eliphaz declares that the wicked "shall not be rich," implying not merely a lack of wealth, but an inability to achieve or maintain true, lasting prosperity. This is not just about financial status, but a deeper inability to secure a stable and flourishing future, which Eliphaz attributes to divine opposition.
* **Substance (Hebrew, _chayil'_ H2428):** This term is rich in meaning, encompassing "force," "means," "resources," "wealth," "strength," "valor," and "virtue." In this context, it refers to the material assets, possessions, or even the vital energy and resources that one accumulates. Eliphaz asserts that the wicked person's "substance" will not "continue," emphasizing the ephemeral and unstable nature of their accumulated power, wealth, or resources, suggesting a swift and inevitable loss.
* **Perfection (Hebrew, _minleh'_ H4512):** Derived from a root meaning "to complete," this word denotes "completion," "wealth (in produce)," or "perfection." In the KJV's "perfection," it refers to the culmination of one's efforts, the establishment of a lasting foundation, or enduring success that results from wise and righteous living. Eliphaz's claim that the wicked "shall not prolong the perfection thereof" means they will be unable to solidify their achievements, establish a permanent legacy, or secure their well-being on earth. Their attempts to build something lasting will ultimately fail, leading to instability and ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall not be rich":** This initial clause sets the tone, directly asserting the wicked person's inability to attain genuine, lasting wealth. Eliphaz contends that despite any temporary gains or outward appearance of prosperity, the unrighteous will ultimately fail to secure true riches. This is presented as a fundamental decree against them, suggesting a divine hindrance to their accumulation of enduring financial or material security.
* **"neither shall his substance continue":** Building upon the first statement, this phrase underscores the impermanence of any wealth or resources the wicked might acquire. Even if they manage to amass "substance" (their _chayil_, encompassing wealth, strength, or resources) for a period, it is destined not to endure. This implies a swift and inevitable loss, suggesting that their material security is built on a foundation that will inevitably crumble, leaving them destitute and without lasting resources.
* **"neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth":** This final, powerful clause summarizes the wicked person's ultimate failure to establish anything lasting or secure. To "prolong the perfection thereof" (referring to _minleh_, their completion, success, or enduring foundation) means they will be unable to solidify their position, secure their legacy, or ensure their well-being on earth. Their efforts to create a stable, enduring life will be futile, as their very foundation is unstable, leading to a complete and irreversible downfall and an inability to leave a lasting mark.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz's pronouncement in Job 15:29 employs several **literary devices** to convey his message with conviction. The primary device is **Proverbial Language**, where Eliphaz speaks in general, absolute maxims about the fate of the wicked, presenting them as universal and undeniable truths. This lends an air of authority and timeless wisdom to his words, even though their specific application to Job is flawed. There is also a strong element of **Assertion**, as Eliphaz states these outcomes as certainties rather than possibilities, reflecting his rigid conviction in the retribution principle. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the three clauses ("He shall not be rich," "neither shall his substance continue," "neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth") reiterate and intensify the same core idea: the impermanence and ultimate failure of the wicked. This repetition serves to emphasize the completeness and inevitability of their downfall. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the perceived stability and prosperity of the righteous (in Eliphaz's conventional view) and the inevitable ruin of the wicked, which serves as a rhetorical tool to pressure Job into self-examination and confession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Eliphaz's pronouncement in Job 15:29, while misapplied to Job's blameless suffering, reflects a pervasive theological theme within the Old Testament: the ultimate instability and futility of wealth and success gained through unrighteousness or pursued apart from God. While the book of Job profoundly challenges the simplistic cause-and-effect understanding of suffering and sin, it does not negate the broader biblical teaching that true and lasting prosperity, "substance," and "perfection" are rooted in a right relationship with God and adherence to His ways. The "perfection" or "sound wisdom" that the wicked cannot prolong is precisely that which God offers to those who fear Him and walk in His path. Their inherent inability to establish a lasting foundation highlights a profound spiritual truth: worldly achievements and material accumulations, divorced from divine blessing and moral integrity, are inherently fleeting and cannot provide ultimate security, satisfaction, or an enduring legacy. This verse, therefore, serves as a stark reminder that true substance and an eternal inheritance are found not in material accumulation, but in spiritual alignment with the Creator and His righteous standards.

* [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Treasures of Wickedness Do Not Profit")
* [Psalm 49:16-17](/psalm/49-16-17 "Psalm 49:16-17 - Do Not Be Afraid When Others Grow Rich")
* [Jeremiah 17:11](/jeremiah/17-11 "Jeremiah 17:11 - The Man Who Gets Riches Unjustly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 15:29, despite being spoken from a flawed perspective regarding Job's specific circumstances, offers profound general truths for our reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder that the relentless pursuit of wealth, security, and worldly success, when detached from righteousness and a vibrant relationship with God, is ultimately a vain and fleeting endeavor. True prosperity, enduring "substance," and lasting "perfection" are not merely the accumulation of material riches, but the establishment of a life built on eternal values—faith, integrity, and obedience to God's will. We are called to examine our own hearts: where do we primarily place our trust and invest our energies? Is it in fleeting material possessions that can vanish overnight, or in the unchanging faithfulness and abundant grace of God? This verse challenges us to consider the ultimate outcome and true value of our life's investments. It encourages us to seek a "perfection" that is eternal, a "substance" that cannot be diminished by earthly circumstances, and a "richness" that transcends mere financial gain. Ultimately, the Book of Job teaches us to approach suffering with compassion and humility, rather than quick judgment, recognizing that God's wisdom and ways far surpass our own limited understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek "riches" or "substance" that are ultimately fleeting, rather than enduring spiritual wealth and a lasting legacy in God's kingdom?**
* **How does Eliphaz's flawed reasoning about Job's suffering challenge my own tendency to judge others' circumstances based on simplistic cause-and-effect assumptions about sin and prosperity?**
* **What does it mean for me to "prolong the perfection thereof" in my own life, and how can I ensure my life's foundation is truly firm and lasting, built on eternal principles?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all wealthy people are wicked, or that righteous people will never be rich?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean that all wealthy people are wicked, nor does it guarantee poverty for the righteous. Eliphaz's statement in [Job 15:29](/job/15-29 "Job 15:29 - Eliphaz's Description of the Wicked") is part of his argument that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, a view that the Book of Job ultimately challenges as an oversimplification. While the Bible often warns against the dangers of wealth and its potential to lead to unrighteousness and spiritual decay (e.g., [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money")), it also presents numerous examples of righteous individuals who were wealthy (e.g., Abraham, David, and Job himself before his trials). The core message here, from Eliphaz's perspective, is about the *instability* and *impermanence* of wealth acquired or held by those who do not live righteously, or those who are under divine judgment. It's less about the mere presence or absence of wealth, and more about its source, its use, and its ultimate durability in the face of God's justice and the true nature of lasting security.

**How does Eliphaz's view of the wicked compare to other Old Testament wisdom literature?**

Answer: Eliphaz's description of the wicked's fate in [Job 15:29](/job/15-29 "Job 15:29 - Eliphaz's Description of the Wicked") aligns broadly with themes found in other Old Testament wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs and certain Psalms. These books frequently emphasize that the path of the wicked leads to ruin, instability, and an eventual downfall, while the righteous are blessed with stability and enduring prosperity (e.g., [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath")). However, the Book of Job distinguishes itself by challenging the *direct and immediate* application of this principle to *all* individual cases of suffering. While the general biblical principle that wickedness ultimately leads to destruction is affirmed throughout Scripture, Job demonstrates that God's justice is more nuanced and complex than a simple tit-for-tat retribution, especially when it comes to the suffering of the righteous, which can serve purposes beyond mere punishment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 15:29, though spoken by Eliphaz with a flawed human wisdom that misjudged Job, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the transient nature of worldly "perfection" and the eternal "substance" offered through Jesus Christ. The wicked, as Eliphaz describes, cannot "prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth," signifying their inherent inability to establish a lasting legacy or secure enduring prosperity and stability. This speaks to the inherent futility of all human endeavors and accumulations when pursued apart from God. In Christ, however, we discover the true and lasting "perfection" and "substance." Jesus Himself, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), demonstrated that true wealth is not earthly riches but divine grace, spiritual abundance, and an eternal inheritance. He proclaimed a kingdom that "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), a kingdom whose "perfection" will indeed be prolonged eternally because it is founded on God's unshakeable truth. The "substance" that does not continue for the wicked is precisely what believers receive in Christ: an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby offering a righteousness that is not our own, but His, which truly endures. Thus, what the wicked cannot achieve—lasting security, an enduring legacy, and true spiritual prosperity—is freely given to all who are in Christ, whose "perfection" is guaranteed by His resurrection and eternal reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 27:16

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

Job 27:17

He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Luke 16:19

¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Luke 16:22

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

James 5:3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.