Job 20:20

20 "Because he knew no quiet within him, He does 1not retain anything he desires.

Job 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

Job 20:20

Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly
Or happiness in his children, so some in Bar Tzemach; rather shall have no satisfaction in his substance; though his belly is filled with hid treasure, it shall give him no contentment; he shall be a stranger to that divine art, but ever have a restless craving after more, which is his sin; but rather punishment is here meant, and the sense is, that he shall have no quiet in his conscience, no peace of mind, because of his sin in getting riches in an unlawful way:

he shall not save of that which he desired;
of his desirable things, his goods, his wealth, his riches, and even his children, all being gone, and none saved; respect may be had particularly to Job's case, who was stripped of everything, of all his substance and his children.

Job 20:20 In-Context

18 "He returns what he has attained And cannot swallow it; As to the riches of his trading, He cannot even enjoy them.
19 "For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; He has seized a house which he has not built.
20 "Because he knew no quiet within him, He does not retain anything he desires.
21 "Nothing remains for him to devour, Therefore his prosperity does not endure.
22 "In the fullness of his plenty he will be cramped; The hand of everyone who suffers will come against him.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Ecclesiastes 5:13-15

Footnotes 1

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.