Job 20:1

Zophar Says, ``The Triumph of the Wicked Is Short"

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,

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,

2 "Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation.

3 "I listened to the reproof which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

4 "Do you know this from of old, From the establishment of man on earth,

5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless momentary ?

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "answered and said"