Job 21:16

KJV

Lo, their good [is] not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lo, their good {H2898} is not in their hand {H3027}: the counsel {H6098} of the wicked {H7563} is far {H7368} from me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isn't their prosperity already theirs? The plans of the wicked are far from me.

Berean Standard Bible

Still, their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked.

American Standard Version

Lo, their prosperity is not in their hand: The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 21:16 encapsulates Job's profound and challenging perspective on the apparent prosperity of the wicked, a central point of contention in his dialogues with his three friends. While acknowledging their seeming good fortune, Job immediately qualifies its ephemeral nature and, more importantly, emphatically distances himself from their worldview and methods. This verse powerfully underscores Job's unwavering commitment to righteousness and divine principles, even amidst his profound and inexplicable suffering, directly refuting the simplistic theological framework proposed by his companions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 21:16 is situated within Job's third and most forceful response to his friends, specifically to Zophar (Job 20). Throughout this chapter, Job systematically dismantles his friends' rigid doctrine of immediate divine retribution, which posits that the wicked invariably suffer and the righteous always prosper. Job directly challenges this by presenting a stark, observable reality: the wicked often live long, enjoy prosperity, raise many children, and die peacefully, seemingly without consequence (see [Job 21:7-13](/job/21-7-13 "Job 21:7-13 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). This direct contradiction of their theology highlights the central tension of the book: how can a righteous God allow a righteous man to suffer while the wicked thrive? In this verse, Job not only observes the wicked's condition but also declares his personal separation from their way of life, asserting his integrity in the face of their erroneous conclusions and maintaining his moral high ground.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in a patriarchal society, likely reflecting ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions. A prevailing theological understanding in this era, often termed "Deuteronomic theology" or the doctrine of retribution, held that God blesses the righteous with prosperity and punishes the wicked with suffering. This belief system provided a seemingly logical framework for understanding the world and divine justice, offering a clear cause-and-effect relationship between human behavior and divine response. Job's friends are staunch proponents of this view, using it to explain Job's suffering as a direct consequence of hidden sin. Job 21:16, however, represents Job's courageous and radical challenge to this widely accepted cultural and theological norm. He appeals to empirical observation over dogmatic assertion, forcing a re-evaluation of divine justice that transcends simplistic cause-and-effect relationships. His struggle reflects a universal human wrestling with the problem of evil and suffering in a world governed by a supposedly just God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the **precariousness and illusion of wicked prosperity**. Job observes that the "good" (prosperity, wealth, ease) of the wicked is "not in their hand," implying that their blessings are not truly secure, lasting, or under their ultimate control. This subtly hints at a divine sovereignty over all fortunes, even those of the unrighteous, challenging the friends' belief that such prosperity is impossible for the wicked or is a sign of divine approval. Secondly, the verse underscores **Job's unwavering integrity and his steadfast rejection of wicked counsel**. Despite the apparent success of the wicked and his own intense suffering, Job declares, "the counsel of the wicked is far from me." This signifies his steadfast refusal to adopt their worldview, their methods, or their advice, which often involves living without regard for God or ethical principles. Job maintains his moral and spiritual distance, reaffirming his commitment to God's ways even when they lead to hardship, echoing his earlier declarations of his blamelessness and uprightness before God (see [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Character") and [Job 2:3](/job/2-3 "Job 2:3 - God's Testimony of Job's Integrity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭûwb_):** From H2898, this term refers to good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare; fair, gladness, good(-ness, thing, -s), joy, go well with. In Job 21:16, "good" primarily denotes material prosperity, well-being, and worldly success, encompassing the tangible blessings and comfortable lives enjoyed by the wicked. Job's subsequent statement ("is not in their hand") subtly questions the true nature or ultimate security of this "good," hinting that it is not a possession truly controlled or secured by them.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** From H3027, a primitive word; in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows); a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.). The Hebrew word "hand" is a common idiom representing power, control, possession, and agency. When Job states that the wicked's "good is not in their hand," he implies that their prosperity is not truly their own doing, nor is it secure under their control. It suggests that their apparent success is either fleeting, granted by a higher power (God), or lacks true substance and lasting value, thus challenging the notion that their prosperity signifies divine approval or is a result of their own cleverness.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ʻēṣâh_):** From H6098, this word means advice; by implication, plan; also prudence; advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. This term is more profound than mere advice; it encompasses plans, purposes, strategies, an entire way of life, or a worldview. When Job declares "the counsel of the wicked is far from me," he is not simply refusing to take their suggestions. He is emphatically rejecting their entire ethos, their philosophy of life, which is often characterized by self-reliance, moral compromise, disregard for divine law, and a focus on worldly gain above all else. It is a declaration of moral and spiritual separation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lo, their good [is] not in their hand":** Job begins with an exclamation ("Lo!") that serves as an interjection, drawing attention to a stark and often counter-intuitive observation. He points to the "good" (prosperity, ease, worldly success) of the wicked, which he has just described in detail (Job 21:7-13). The crucial qualification is that this "good" is "not in their hand." This phrase signifies that their prosperity is not truly under their control, nor is it a secure or permanent possession. It implies that their well-being is either temporary, subject to divine prerogative, or lacks the true substance and lasting value that only comes from God-given, righteous blessing. Job subtly undermines the apparent success of the wicked, suggesting it is superficial or fleeting, directly challenging his friends' belief that such prosperity is impossible for the wicked.
* **"the counsel of the wicked is far from me":** Following his observation about the wicked's precarious prosperity, Job makes a profound personal declaration. He emphatically states his complete dissociation from the "counsel" (the plans, purposes, worldview, and way of life) of the wicked. Despite his own intense suffering and the apparent thriving of the unrighteous, Job refuses to adopt their principles, their methods, or their godless philosophy. This declaration serves as a powerful affirmation of his integrity and his unwavering commitment to God's ways, even when those ways lead to hardship and the world seems to contradict divine justice. It is a statement of moral and spiritual resolve, refusing to be swayed by appearances or to compromise his faith.

#### Literary Devices
Job 21:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The verse opens with the interjection, **"Lo,"** which functions as an **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, immediately seizing the listener's attention and signaling a significant, perhaps surprising, observation. This sets a tone of direct challenge to his friends' assumptions. The verse then presents a strong **Contrast** between the apparent "good" of the wicked and Job's personal rejection of their "counsel." This contrast highlights the central tension of the book: the discrepancy between observed reality (the wicked often prosper) and conventional theology (the wicked invariably suffer). Furthermore, Job's statement, "their good is not in their hand," contains a subtle **Irony**. While the wicked appear to possess much and exert control, Job asserts that their grip on this "good" is illusory and ultimately insecure, undermining the very basis of their seeming success. Finally, Job's declaration, "the counsel of the wicked is far from me," is a powerful **Assertion** of his moral integrity and spiritual autonomy, reinforcing his character as blameless and upright despite his dire circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 21:16 serves as a critical theological pivot, challenging simplistic notions of divine justice and affirming the enduring value of integrity. It forces a deeper contemplation of what constitutes true "good" and where ultimate control over human destiny truly resides. Job's observation that the wicked's prosperity is "not in their hand" subtly reasserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances, even the fortunes of those who disregard Him. His personal rejection of "the counsel of the wicked" underscores the profound importance of choosing righteousness and maintaining spiritual purity, regardless of external circumstances or the apparent success of ungodliness. This verse encourages believers to look beyond superficial appearances and trust in a justice that transcends immediate retribution, finding solace in faithfulness rather than fleeting worldly gain.

* [Psalm 73:3](/psalm/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Envy of the Proud") and [Psalm 73:17-20](/psalm/73-17-20 "Psalm 73:17-20 - The End of the Wicked") profoundly explore the psalmist's struggle with the prosperity of the wicked, mirroring Job's observations, before finding resolution in understanding their ultimate demise and God's just judgment.
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Path") opens with a declaration that resonates deeply with Job's stance: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." Both passages emphasize the critical importance of distancing oneself from the influence and ways of those who disregard God.
* [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah's Complaint About the Wicked") presents a similar lament from the prophet Jeremiah, questioning why the way of the wicked prospers, highlighting the universal nature of this theological dilemma and the enduring struggle to reconcile it with divine justice.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 21:16 offers profound encouragement and a vital challenge for believers navigating a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to flourish. It compels us to look beyond the superficial allure of worldly success, especially when it is gained through unrighteous means or without regard for God. Job reminds us that such "good" is often fleeting, ultimately outside human control, and devoid of true spiritual substance. More importantly, this verse calls us to an unwavering commitment to spiritual and moral integrity, even when our own circumstances are difficult and it seems the unrighteous are thriving. Our allegiance must be to God's ways, not the "counsel of the wicked," regardless of our personal trials or the apparent disparities we observe. It teaches us to define success not by worldly metrics of wealth or ease, but by faithfulness to God, trusting in His ultimate justice and sovereignty, a truth Job himself comes to acknowledge more fully later in the book (e.g., [Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - Job's Confession of God's Sovereignty")). This verse is a call to steadfastness, reminding us that our true treasure is not in what we possess, but in who we are in Christ and whose counsel we follow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I define "good" in my own life, and does my definition align with God's perspective or with worldly standards?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to adopt the "counsel of the wicked" (their values, methods, or worldview) in my pursuit of success or comfort?**
* **How does Job's unwavering integrity, despite his suffering and the prosperity of the wicked, challenge my own faith and commitment to righteousness?**
* **What does it mean for me to live with the conviction that true "good" is not ultimately "in my hand" but in God's sovereign control?**

### FAQ

**Why does Job focus so much on the prosperity of the wicked in this chapter?**

Answer: Job focuses on the prosperity of the wicked in [Job 21](/job/21 "Job 21 - Job's Third Discourse") primarily to refute the simplistic theology of his friends. His friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, consistently argue that suffering is a direct consequence of sin and prosperity is a sign of divine favor. Job's own experience, as a righteous man suffering intensely, directly contradicts this. By pointing to the observable reality that the wicked often live long, prosper, and die peacefully, Job challenges their rigid framework and highlights the complexity of divine justice, demonstrating that God's ways are not always immediately discernible or predictable according to human logic. He is arguing against a black-and-white view of retribution, asserting that God's justice is far more nuanced than they perceive.

**How does Job's statement "the counsel of the wicked is far from me" relate to his personal suffering?**

Answer: Job's declaration, "the counsel of the wicked is far from me," is a powerful affirmation of his integrity and a rejection of any temptation to compromise his faith or adopt ungodly ways, even in the face of immense suffering. His friends implicitly suggest he must have sinned to deserve his plight, and that he should repent to regain prosperity. By stating that the wicked's counsel is far from him, Job asserts that his suffering has not driven him to abandon God's ways or to embrace the self-serving, godless philosophy of those who seem to thrive without consequence. It underscores his steadfast commitment to righteousness, demonstrating that his suffering has not corrupted his moral compass or led him to question God's ultimate goodness, even if His immediate actions are inscrutable (see [Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Job 13:15 - Though He Slay Me")). This declaration highlights his enduring faith even when God's ways are beyond his understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 21:16, with its profound observation of the wicked's precarious prosperity and Job's steadfast rejection of their counsel, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job grappled with the apparent injustice of the world, Christ perfectly embodied righteousness in a world that rejected Him, suffering unjustly even unto death on a cross (see [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). Unlike the "good" of the wicked that is "not in their hand," Christ's ultimate victory and the "good" He offers are eternally secure and divinely ordained (see [Philippians 2:9-11](/phil/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Lordship")). He did not seek worldly prosperity or adopt the "counsel of the wicked," but rather perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even when it led to the cross (see [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). In Christ, we see the true nature of integrity and faithfulness to God, not as a means to earthly gain, but as the very essence of life (see [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")). His suffering, unlike Job's, was redemptive, taking away the sin of the world, and His ultimate exaltation proves that true "good" and lasting authority belong to those who walk in perfect obedience to God, not those who grasp for fleeting worldly power. Believers are called to follow Christ's example, rejecting the world's counsel and embracing His righteousness, knowing that our true inheritance is secured in Him (see [1 Peter 2:21-24](/1_peter/2-21-24 "1 Peter 2:21-24 - Christ's Example for Suffering")).

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 22:18

Yet he filled their houses with good [things]: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Psalms 1:1

¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psalms 52:5

God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of [thy] dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Psalms 49:6

¶ They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

Psalms 49:7

None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

Proverbs 1:10

¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.