Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.
Surely he shall not feel {H3045} quietness {H7961} in his belly {H990}, he shall not save {H4422} of that which he desired {H2530}.
because his appetite would not let him rest, in his greed he let nothing escape;
Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure.
Because he knew no quietness within him, He shall not save aught of that wherein he delighteth.
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Ecclesiastes 5:13
There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. -
Ecclesiastes 5:14
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and [there is] nothing in his hand. -
Isaiah 57:20
But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. -
Isaiah 57:21
[There is] no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Job 20:20 (KJV) states, "Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired." This verse is part of Zophar's second speech to Job, where he dogmatically asserts the inevitable downfall and misery of the wicked.
Context
Zophar the Naamathite is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him, yet ultimately condemn him, believing his suffering is a direct result of his sin. In Job chapter 20, Zophar delivers a harsh discourse on the fate of the wicked. He argues that while the wicked may prosper for a time, their triumph is short-lived, and they will ultimately face severe divine judgment and lose all they have gained. This particular verse emphasizes the internal and external consequences of their unrighteousness, portraying a life devoid of true peace and lasting satisfaction. Zophar's perspective, like that of Job's other friends, fails to grasp the complex nature of suffering and God's sovereignty, which is a central theme throughout the Book of Job.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "quietness" is sheqeṭ (שֶׁקֶט), meaning "quiet, rest, tranquility." Its absence implies constant agitation or anxiety. The term "belly" (בֶּטֶן - beṭen) in ancient Hebrew thought often referred to the innermost being, the seat of emotions, thoughts, and desires, not merely the physical stomach. Thus, not feeling quietness in the belly signifies a deep-seated lack of contentment and inner peace, often due to an insatiable greed or guilt.
Practical Application
Job 20:20 serves as a powerful reminder that true contentment and security do not come from material possessions or selfish pursuits, especially those gained through unrighteousness. Chasing after fleeting desires without regard for God's ways often leads to a life marked by anxiety, dissatisfaction, and an inability to truly enjoy what one has. This verse encourages introspection: are our desires leading us to inner peace or constant agitation? It underscores the biblical principle that genuine peace comes from a right relationship with God and a life lived according to His wisdom, rather than the accumulation of worldly goods or the fulfillment of every earthly desire.