Job 21:1

In this reply to Zophar he shows that his spirit is still unbroken. He gives a decisive answer to what only looked like arguments. Job's reply follows the shape of Zophar's speech, and falls into seven parts: (1) The solemnity of his reply, which has to do with God (Job 21:1-6). (2) The prosperity of the wicked (verses 7-16). (3) Judgment seen only in their children (verses 17-21). (4) Varied experiences of the wicked (verses 22-26). (5) He charges the friends (verses 27-31). (6) The end in death (verses 32, 33). (7) Conclusion (verse 34).

Job now answers in chapter twenty-one. It was a great relief to the man under trial to speak out. He had failed completely to win their sympathy, but Job still chose to speak plainly, and he had no trouble answering anything they said.

One translation of verse 2 reads, "Hear attentively my speech, and let this replace your consolations." Calling the speeches of the three friends "consolations" was of course sarcasm. What he really thought of their words is plain at the end of the next verse. There he told them that once he had spoken, they could "mock on!"

Job does not reply in the same argumentative spirit his friends had used. He appeals to them calmly to weigh what he is saying. His self-control should have impressed them enough to make them take him seriously. He asked them to bear with him in his speaking to them, and after he has had his say, to continue their mocking (vv.2-3). He had little hope that they would change their minds, no matter how solemnly he speaks.

As for himself, he says he no longer expects any fair judgment from man — and rightly so, if man were all he had to hope in. This implies he has turned to God, and that in itself shows the faith at the bottom of his heart. But his difficulties have not gone away. They have good reason to be astonished, because he himself trembles to speak of what he is about to set before them.

They had good reason to keep quiet, because they were not speaking for God — the God who had allowed (or caused) his terror and trembling (v.6). If they had truly cared about Job, could they not have prayed to God about how to help this suffering man? They probably never thought of praying for him, because they were sure they had the right answers for God and needed no prayer.

What made Job tremble so much when he saw wickedness prosper? He asks here, "Why do the wicked live?" He is saying, 'I can follow it so far. I can well understand God casting down wicked men — that is only what they deserve. But that is not the fact, for most of them appear to flourish in their wickedness for the time being.'... "Their houses are safe from fear." A robber breaks into many a godly man's house. Many a godly man's house burns down over his head. Yet there may be wicked men of the worst kind who never meet these troubles at all!

There is not the slightest sense here of God having chastening dealings with those He loves during this time of pilgrimage. Yet this is exactly what God does.