Job 20:1

Zophar Speaks: The Wicked Will Suffer

1 Then 1Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

Job 20:1 Meaning and Commentary

Job 20:1

Then answered Zophar the Naamathite
Notwithstanding the sad distressed condition Job was in, an account of which is given in the preceding chapter, enough to pierce a heart of stone, notwithstanding his earnest request to his friends to have pity on him, and notwithstanding the noble confession of his faith he had made, which showed him to be a good man, and the excellent advice he gave his friends to cease persecuting him, for their own good, as well as for his peace; yet, regardless of these things, Zophar starts up and makes a reply, and attacks him with as much heat and passion, wrath and anger, as ever, harping upon the same string, and still representing Job as a wicked man and an hypocrite;

and said,
as follows.

Job 20:1 In-Context

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 "Therefore my thoughts answer me, because of my haste within me.
3 I hear censure that insults me, and out of my understanding a spirit answers me.
4 Do you not know this from of old, since man was placed on earth,
5 that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment?

Cross References 1

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.