Job 20:6

6 The evil might become world famous, strutting at the head of the celebrity parade,

Job 20:6 Meaning and Commentary

Job 20:6

Though his excellency mount up to the heavens
Though, in worldly grandeur and glory, he should arrive to such a pitch as the Assyrian monarch was ambitious of, as to ascend into heaven, exalt his throne above the stars of God, and be like the Most High; or be comparable to such a tree, by which the greatness of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom is expressed, the height whereof reached unto heaven, ( Isaiah 14:12 Isaiah 14:14 ) ( Daniel 4:11 ) ;

and his head reach unto the clouds;
being lifted up with pride, because of his greatness, and looking with contempt and scorn on others; the Septuagint version is, "if his gifts ascend up to heaven" which well agrees with an hypocrite possessed of great gifts, and proud of them; as Capernaum was highly favoured with external things, as the presence of Christ, his ministry and miracles, and so said to be exalted unto heaven, yet, because of its impenitence and unbelief, should be brought down to hell, ( Matthew 11:23 ) .

Job 20:6 In-Context

4 "Don't you even know the basics, how things have been since the earliest days, when Adam and Eve were first placed on earth?
5 The good times of the wicked are short-lived; godless joy is only momentary.
6 The evil might become world famous, strutting at the head of the celebrity parade,
7 But still end up in a pile of dung. Acquaintances look at them with disgust and say, 'What's that?'
8 They fly off like a dream that can't be remembered, like a shadowy illusion that vanishes in the light.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.