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Commentary on Job 21 verses 7–16
All Job's three friends, in their last discourses, had been very copious in describing the miserable condition of a wicked man in this world. "It is true," says Job, "remarkable judgments are sometimes brought upon notorious sinners, but not always; for we have many instances of the great and long prosperity of those that are openly and avowedly wicked; though they are hardened in their wickedness by their prosperity, yet they are still suffered to prosper."
I. He here describes their prosperity in the height, and breadth, and length of it. "If this be true, as you say, pray tell me wherefore do the wicked live?" Job 21:7.
1.The matter of fact is taken for granted, for we see instances of it every day. (1.) They live, and are not suddenly cut off by the strokes of divine vengeance. Those yet speak who have set their mouths against the heavens. Those yet act who have stretched out their hands against God. Not only they live (that is, they are reprieved), but they live in prosperity, Sa1 25:6. Nay, (2.) They become old; they have the honour, satisfaction, and advantage of living long, long enough to raise their families and estates. We read of a sinner a hundred years old, Isa 65:20. But this is not all. (3.) They are mighty in power, are preferred to places of authority and trust, and not only make a great figure, but bear a great sway. Vivit imo, et in senatum venit - He not only lives, but appears in the senate. Now wherefore is it so? Note, It is worth while to enquire into the reasons of the outward prosperity of wicked people. It is not because God has forsaken the earth, because he does not see, or does not hate, or cannot punish their wickedness; but it is because the measure of their iniquities is not full. This is the day of God's patience, and, in some way or other, he makes use of them and their prosperity to serve his own counsels, while it ripens them for ruin; but the chief reason is because he will make it to appear there is another world which is the world of retribution, and not this.
2.The prosperity of the wicked is here described to be,
(1.)Complete and consummate. [1.] They are multiplied, and their family is built up, and they have the satisfaction of seeing it (Job 21:8): Their seed is established in their sight. This is put first, as that which gives both a pleasant enjoyment and a pleasing prospect. [2.] They are easy and quiet, Job 21:9. Whereas Zophar had spoken of their continual frights and terrors, Job says, Their houses are safe both from danger and from the fear of it (Job 21:9), and so far are they from the killing wounds of God's sword or arrows that they do not feel the smart of so much as the rod of God upon them. [3.] They are rich and thrive in their estates. Of this he gives only one instance, Job 21:10. Their cattle increase, and they meet with no disappointment in them; not so much as a cow casts her calf, and then their much must needs grow more. This is promised, Exo 23:26; Deu 7:14. [4.] They are merry and live a jovial life (Job 21:11, Job 21:12): They send forth their little ones abroad among their neighbours, like a flock, in great numbers, to sport themselves. They have their balls and music-meetings, at which their children dance; and dancing is fittest for children, who know not better how to spend their time and whose innocency guards them against the mischiefs that commonly attend it. Though the parents are not so very youthful and frolicsome as to dance themselves, yet they take the timbrel and harp; they pipe, and their children dance after their pipe, and they know no grief to put their instruments out of tune or to withhold their hearts from any joy. Some observe that this is an instance of their vanity, as well as of their prosperity. Here is none of that care taken of their children which Abraham took of his, to teach them the way of the Lord, Gen 18:19. Their children do not pray, or say their catechism, but dance, and sing, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. Sensual pleasures are all the delights of carnal people, and as men are themselves so they breed their children.
(2.)Continuing and constant (Job 21:13): They spend their days, all their days, in wealth, and never know what it is to want - in mirth, and never know what sadness means; and at last, without any previous alarms to frighten them, without any anguish or agony, in a moment they go down to the grave, and there are no bands in their death. If there were not another life after this, it were most desirable to die by the quickest shortest strokes of death. Since we must go down to the grave, if that were the furthest of our journey, we should wish to go down in a moment, to swallow the bitter pill, and not chew it.
II. He shows how they abuse their prosperity and are confirmed and hardened by it in their impiety, Job 21:14, Job 21:15.
1.Their gold and silver serve to steel them, to make them more insolent, and more impudent, in their wickedness. Now he mentions this either, (1.) To increase the difficulty. It is strange that any wicked people should prosper thus, but especially that those should prosper who have arrived at such a pitch of wickedness as openly to bid defiance to God himself, and tell him to his face that they care not for him; nay, and that their prosperity should be continued, though they bear up themselves upon that, in their opposition to God; with that weapon they fight against him, and yet are not disarmed. Or, (2.) To lessen the difficulty. God suffers them to prosper; but let us not wonder at it, for the prosperity of fools destroys them, by hardening them in sin, Pro 1:32; Psa 73:7-9.
2.See how light these prospering sinners make of God and religion, as if because they have so much of this world they had no need to look after another.
(1.)See how ill affected they are to God and religion; they abandon them, and cast off the thoughts of them. [1.] They dread the presence of God; they say unto him, "Depart from us; let us never be troubled with the apprehension of our being under God's eye nor be restrained by the fear of him." Or they bid him depart as one they do not need, nor have any occasion to make use of. The world is the portion they have chosen, and take up with, and think themselves happy in; while they have that they can live without God. Justly will God say Depart (Mat 25:41) to those who have bidden him depart; and justly does he now take them at their word. [2.] They dread the knowledge of God, and of his will, and of their duty to him: We desire not the knowledge of thy ways. Those that are resolved not to walk in God's ways desire not to know them, because their knowledge will be a continual reproach to their disobedience, Joh 3:19.
(2.)See how they argue against God and religion (Job 21:15): What is the Almighty? Strange that ever creatures should speak so insolently, that ever reasonable creatures should speak so absurdly and unreasonably. The two great bonds by which we are drawn and held to religion are those of duty and interest; now they here endeavour to break both these bonds asunder. [1.] They will not believe it is their duty to be religious: What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? Like Pharaoh (Exo 5:2), Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice? Observe, First, How slightly they speak of God: What is the Almighty? As if he were a mere name, a mere cipher, or one they have nothing to do with and that has nothing to do with them. Secondly, How hardly they speak of religion. They call it a service, and mean a hard service. Is it not enough, they think, to keep up a fair correspondence with the Almighty, but they must serve him, which they look upon as a task and drudgery. Thirdly, How highly they speak of themselves: "That we should serve him; we who are rich and mighty in power, shall we be subject and accountable to him? No, we are lords," Jer 2:31. [2.] They will not believe it is their interest to be religious: What profit shall we have if we pray unto him? All the world are for what they can get, and therefore wisdom's merchandise is neglected, because they think there is nothing to be got by it. It is vain to serve God, Mal 3:13, Mal 3:14. Praying will not pay debts nor portion children; nay, perhaps serious godliness may hinder a man's preferment and expose him to losses; and what then? Is nothing to be called gain but the wealth and honour of this world? If we obtain the favour of God, and spiritual and eternal blessings, we have no reason to complain of losing by our religion. But, if we have not profit by prayer, it is our own fault (Isa 58:3, Isa 58:4), it is because we ask amiss, Jam 4:3. Religion itself is not a vain thing; if it be so to us, we may thank ourselves for resting in the outside of it, Jam 1:26.
III. He shows their folly herein, and utterly disclaims all concurrence with them (Job 21:19): Lo, their good is not in their hand, that is, they did not get it without God, and therefore they are very ungrateful to slight him thus. It was not their might, nor the power of their hand, that got them this wealth, and therefore they ought to remember God who gave it them. Nor can they keep it without God, and therefore they are very unwise to lose their interest in him and bid him to depart from them. Some give this sense of it: "Their good is in their barns and their bags, hoarded up there; it is not in their hand, to do good to others with it; and then what good does it do them?" "Therefore," says Job, "the counsel of the wicked is far from me. Far be it from me that I should be of their mind, say as they say, do as they do, and take my measures from them. Their posterity approve their sayings, though their way be their folly (Psa 49:13); but I know better things than to walk in their counsel."
Certainly God does not cease from benefiting the wicked, in order to show that he has no hate against them, so that they may not say, “Since God hates us, he will never open the door of repentance to us.” And while he severely and sternly acts with the righteous, he nevertheless offers his love to the unrighteous. The rewards to be granted in time for [righteous] virtues are the future signs of the good works they do.
Since you believe to be wise and to know the reason why I suffer these afflictions, now answer my question. Why does it happen that very often many impious persons reach an old age in their wealth?… Their fields produce large crops, and they are delighted by their children and enjoy a constant abundance. They fear no one and receive no blow sent them by God. Their plowing cow does not give birth to an immature fetus, that is, it does not generate an imperfect or dead fetus, and their wives have no miscarriages. And they remain in prosperity like a flock, that is, free from care.
50. To say this in words even foolish men have not the boldness, yet all wicked persons say to God, not by their words but by their ways, Depart from us. For they that do those things which Almighty God forbids, what else are they doing but shutting up their soul against the Almighty. For just as to think of His precepts, is to introduce Him into one’s self, so to resist His commandments is to keep Him away from the dwelling-place of the heart. And so they say, Depart from us, who refuse to yield Him an approach to them; and assail Him with wicked deeds, even if they seem to praise Him in words. Moreover they say;
For we desire not the knowledge of Thy ways.
51. And that by this alone, that they are too indifferent to acquire the knowledge of Him. For there be some who from this that ‘Truth’ saith; And that servant, which knoweth not his Lord’s will, and doth things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few. But he that knoweth his Lord’s will, and did not according to it, shall be beaten with many [Luke 12, 47. 48.]; choose not to know what they should do, and reckon as if they will be beaten less, if they are ignorant of what they ought to have put in practice. Yet it is one thing not to have known, and another thing not to have chosen to know. For he knoweth not, who is willing to make the acquisition, but is not able. But he who, that he may not know, turns away his ear from the voice of truth, such a person is brought in, not one in ignorance, but a despiser. Now ‘the way’ of God is peace, ‘the way’ of God is humility, ‘the way’ of God is patience. But whilst the wicked disregard all these, they say, We desire not the knowledge of Thy ways. For whilst they are big with pride in this life, whilst they are swollen with honours, whilst, even if they have not, they covet, they slight ‘the ways’ of God in the thoughts of their hearts. For because God’s way in this world was humility, this very Lord and God, the Redeemer of us men, came to reproaches, to mockery, to the Passion; and He underwent the adverse treatment of this world with patience, resolutely eschewed its good fortune, that He might both teach the prosperity of the eternal life to be aimed at, and the adversities of the present life not to be dreaded. But because the wicked covet the glory of the present life, and eschew disgrace, they are described as saying, We desire not the knowledge of Thy ways. For they are unwilling to know, what they scorn to do. Whose words are further continued.
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SUMMARY
A stark and chilling portrayal of the wicked's deliberate spiritual rebellion, as observed by Job in his discourse. This verse encapsulates a profound and active rejection of God's presence and authority, coupled with a willful disinterest in divine guidance. It reveals a mindset of radical autonomy, where individuals, often enjoying earthly prosperity, openly declare their desire to be free from God's intervention and the moral accountability inherent in knowing and following His ways, preferring instead a path of self-determination and perceived self-sufficiency.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 21:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark and defiant message. Most prominently, Direct Speech is utilized, as Job articulates the very words that encapsulate the wicked's rebellious attitude. This technique vividly characterizes their spiritual rebellion, making their rejection of God explicit, immediate, and profoundly shocking. The verse also employs Contrast, setting the wicked's desire for autonomy and willful ignorance against the biblical ideal of seeking God's wisdom and walking in His paths. This stark juxtaposition highlights the profound spiritual chasm between the ungodly and the righteous. Furthermore, there is a powerful element of Irony in Job's broader argument: the wicked prosper despite their rejection of God, which is precisely what challenges the friends' simplistic theology, rather than their prosperity being a sign of divine approval. The audacious nature of the statement itself, a direct command to the Almighty, can also be seen as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme extent of their spiritual rebellion and their audacious self-deception regarding their independence from God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 21:14 speaks to the profound human inclination towards autonomy and self-sufficiency, often leading to an active and defiant rejection of divine authority. This verse highlights that true rebellion is not merely passive ignorance of God's ways but a deliberate, often arrogant, refusal to desire or submit to them. It underscores the biblical truth that human beings, left to their own devices, frequently choose paths that seem expedient or pleasurable in the short term, even if they lead away from the source of all life and wisdom. The observed prosperity of the wicked, as presented by Job, can tragically reinforce this self-deception, leading them to believe they are justified in their defiance and that God's ways are irrelevant or unnecessary. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that the most dangerous form of spiritual blindness is not the inability to see, but the willful refusal to look, to learn, and to submit to divine truth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 21:14 serves as a potent diagnostic tool for spiritual health, both individually and corporately. It challenges us to honestly assess our own posture towards God's "ways." In a world that often champions radical self-determination, personal autonomy, and the relentless pursuit of worldly success, the temptation to subtly or overtly echo the wicked's sentiment—"Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways"—is ever-present. This can manifest not just in outright, defiant rebellion, but in more insidious forms such as spiritual apathy, a disinterest in diligent study of Scripture, a dismissal of ethical boundaries, or a prioritization of personal comfort and convenience over divine command. The verse warns that such a stance, while seemingly leading to temporary ease or prosperity, ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness, moral decay, and a profound disconnect from the very source of life, truth, and genuine flourishing. Our daily response to God's revelation, His written Word, and the promptings of His Spirit reveals whether we truly desire to walk in His light and submit to His wisdom, or whether we prefer the deceptive darkness of our own choosing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Job 21:14 mean God allows the wicked to prosper without consequence?
Answer: Job 21:14, within Job's passionate argument in chapter 21, highlights Job's observation that the wicked do often prosper in this life, seemingly without immediate divine consequence. This observation directly challenges the simplistic retributive theology of Job's friends, who believed that all suffering was a direct result of sin and all prosperity a sign of righteousness. However, the verse does not imply that God ultimately allows the wicked to escape consequence. Instead, Job's point is that God's justice is not always immediate or visibly applied in earthly terms, leading the wicked to a false sense of security and emboldening their defiance. The broader biblical narrative, including the conclusion of the book of Job itself, consistently affirms God's ultimate justice and coming judgment. For example, Psalm 73 articulates the psalmist's struggle with the prosperity of the wicked until he understands their ultimate destruction and the precariousness of their position. Similarly, the Apostle Paul speaks of God's patience leading to repentance, but also of a coming day of righteous judgment where each person will be repaid according to their deeds, as seen in Romans 2:4-6. So, while earthly prosperity may be observed, it does not negate the eventual spiritual and eternal consequences of rejecting God's ways.
Is "desiring not the knowledge of thy ways" the same as ignorance?
Answer: No, "desiring not the knowledge of thy ways" is fundamentally different from mere ignorance. Ignorance implies a simple lack of information or understanding, often due to circumstances beyond one's control or a lack of opportunity. However, the phrase in Job 21:14 describes an active, willful aversion to knowing God's ways. It's a deliberate choice to remain ignorant or, more accurately, to actively disregard what is known or what could be known through divine revelation. This implies a moral and spiritual rebellion, a preference for one's own self-determined path over God's revealed will. It's a conscious rejection of divine instruction and authority, stemming from a desire for autonomy and a refusal to submit to God's governance. This willful rejection is far more culpable than simple ignorance, as it reveals a hardened heart that actively pushes God away and resists His truth.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 21:14, with its chilling declaration of the wicked's desire for God to "Depart from us" and their refusal to "desire... the knowledge of thy ways," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "ways" of God, which humanity so often rejects and desires to be free from, are perfectly embodied in Christ, who authoritatively declared Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The world's active rejection of God's "knowledge" culminates in the rejection of Christ Himself, as tragically seen when "He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him" (John 1:11). Yet, in a profound and astonishing act of divine love, instead of departing from us, God in Christ drew near. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God refusing to "depart from us" even when humanity's sin demanded it; instead, He endured the ultimate rejection and separation from the Father on our behalf to offer reconciliation. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the very sin of rebellion and the desire to live apart from God's ways are addressed and overcome, offering a new covenant where humanity can truly "know" God experientially and intimately, not through self-sufficiency or defiance, but through grace, faith, and submission to the One who is the perfect revelation of God's will and wisdom (Colossians 2:2-3). He is the one who enables us to desire and walk in God's ways.