Job listened to his friend Zophar the Naamathite describe the fate of those who forsake God and seek earthly pleasure alone. A day of God's wrath awaited them (20:28). Now Job replied in the midst of his intense suffering. He saw that the wicked often prospered. They experienced the joys of this life. Their families grew, their homes were protected, and the work of their hands bore fruit-even though they neither sought nor served God. Job saw that their prosperity was in God's hands.

There are also times when God punishes the wicked, according to his judgment and at his right time. He is the sovereign judge. He knows all people and all things. He judges sin completely. He judges even the highest among men. Job didn't have an easy answer as to why the wicked often prospered, but he knew that any easy answer was nonsense. Even in his suffering he left judgment to God himself.


Application: Lord, you are the Judge of all things and all people. Help me to be wise and entrust all judgment to you.
One Word: God is the Judge of all