Job 20:10

Job 20:10 KJV is part of Zophar the Naamathite's second speech, where he articulates his belief that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and their downfall inevitable, often affecting their descendants. This verse specifically describes a consequence of their unrighteousness: the children of the wicked will suffer humility and the wicked themselves will be forced to make restitution.

Context

This verse is found within Zophar's impassioned argument against Job, whom he wrongly presumes to be wicked. Zophar, like Job's other friends, adheres to a strict doctrine of retribution: righteousness leads to prosperity, and wickedness leads to suffering. In Job 20, he paints a vivid picture of the wicked person's brief triumph followed by a devastating reversal of fortune. Verse 10 details two specific aspects of this reversal, impacting both the wicked individual's descendants and their ill-gotten gains. While Zophar's overall theology is later corrected by God (Job 42:7), the verse itself speaks to biblical principles of justice and consequence.

Key Themes

• Consequences of Unrighteousness: The verse powerfully illustrates that wicked actions have lasting and often intergenerational repercussions. The wealth or standing gained through exploitation will not endure, and even the descendants will bear the burden of their ancestors' sins. This aligns with broader biblical teachings on the transience of ill-gotten gain.
• Reversal of Fortune: It depicts a stark reversal where the children of the once-powerful wicked person are reduced to seeking favor from the poor, a humbling position. This underscores the idea that divine justice can overturn societal hierarchies built on injustice.
• Restitution and Justice: The phrase "his hands shall restore their goods" emphasizes the principle of restitution. It implies that what was unjustly taken or withheld must be returned, highlighting God's ultimate commitment to justice and righting wrongs. This concept is foundational in Old Testament law, as seen in passages like Exodus 22:1.

Linguistic Insights

• The phrase "seek to please the poor" translates the Hebrew chillu (חִלּוּ), which means to "appease," "propitiate," or "seek favor." It suggests a posture of humility and dependence, a stark contrast to the likely arrogance of their wicked parent. This indicates that the children, once privileged, will find themselves in a position of need, perhaps even having to beg from those their parents oppressed.
• "Restore their goods" uses the Hebrew verb yashiv (יָשִׁיב), meaning "to return," "to give back," or "to repay." This is a strong term for restitution, indicating that the wicked person, or their estate, will be compelled to give back what was unjustly acquired.

Practical Application

While Zophar's application of this principle to Job was flawed, the verse itself holds timeless truths:

• Ethical Living Matters: It serves as a strong reminder that how we acquire and manage our wealth and influence has profound consequences, not only for ourselves but for our descendants. Integrity and righteousness build a lasting legacy, while unrighteousness leads to decay.
• God's Justice Prevails: Even when injustice seems to triumph for a season, this verse affirms a biblical conviction that God ultimately ensures justice. The ill-gotten gains of the wicked will not bring lasting peace or security, and restitution will be demanded.
• Beware of Fleeting Prosperity: The passage warns against envying the apparent success of the wicked, as their prosperity is often temporary and comes with a heavy price, as also seen in Psalm 73:18-19.