Job 20

12–19 The evil deeds of the wicked are like sweet morsels in the mouth which then turn sour when they reach the stomach (verses 12–14). The wicked person swallows up the possessions of the poor and then is forced to vomit them up (verse 15).

20–29 The wicked person is always craving but is never satisfied; his riches can never save him (verse 20). The more he eats, the hungrier he gets; and eventually he dies (verses 21–23). Zophar paints a picture of weapon, darkness, fire and flood all overtaking the wicked (verses 24–28); this is their fate, their heritage appointed by God (verse 29).

Everything Zophar says here about the wicked is true—as far as it goes. But sadly, he fails to apply the truth correctly. First, he incorrectly assumes that the wicked are always punished in this life. Second, he incorrectly assumes that Job must be among the wicked. But it is not Job who is wicked; rather it is Zophar who comes close to wickedness because of his proud, judgmental, and unloving attitude. Jesus said: “Do not judge . . . For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1–2).