Job 21:25

Among the wicked there is such disparity that it is folly to think of judging by their experiences. Why? Because "One dies in his full vigor, being wholly at ease and secure" (v. 23). His possessions are kept intact and his health remains good until he dies (v. 24). On the other hand, another wicked man dies in bitterness. His whole life was deeply unpleasant. At the end "they lie down alike in the dust." The end of the one is the same as the other, though their lives on earth were opposite.

In fact, as Job goes on to show, the wicked go through very different experiences. He adds, Who can sit in judgment on God for these different dealings? One dies quietly, surrounded by great prosperity … another is cut off in misery. Both alike reach a common end in the grave. Since this is so, how wrong it is for his friends to state a fixed rule. They said that in this life judgment was always a sign of sin in the person, and prosperity always a sign of righteousness.

Look at these two men, each with a full cup, one of happiness, the other of misery; both lying dead together. Appearances prove nothing but the haste and folly of those who judge before the time.

The friends judged too early. They fixed their eyes (blinded, sadly!) on the present, as the Christian world does, instead of waiting, like Job, for the resurrection and the kingdom.

"They lie down alike in the dust" — and the careless world goes to their funeral. It thinks they are both all right, that all is well with both of them. That is what people call "judging with charity" — charitable judgment! They hope that everybody goes to heaven, unless they are too bad — openly wicked!

Zophar thought he had the answer to Job's troubles. But he had not considered this contrast that Job set before him. The answer to all such questions must certainly wait until after death.

He insists that the present world is no expression of God's moral government. But he admits that while men seem to prosper, a blow from God falls on them. In a moment their lamp goes out. So he does allow for exceptional dealings. There was another kind of dealing that he did not yet see. This was what he had to learn. God acts among His own people by chastening, trial, or discipline, just as surely as He may lay His hand on the wicked in solemn judgment.