The Fleeting Triumph of Wickedness: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Job 20

Executive Summary

Zophar’s second speech in Job 20 is a powerful, albeit ultimately flawed, discourse on the inevitable doom of the wicked. He paints a vivid picture of the wicked’s apparent prosperity, contrasting it sharply with their sudden and utter destruction. He emphasizes the temporary nature of their joy and the certainty of divine retribution. However, his speech, like those of the other friends, fails to grasp the depth of Job’s suffering and the complexity of God’s justice. This commentary, viewed through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, unpacks Zophar’s pronouncements, revealing both their truth and their limitations, and offering practical spiritual application for understanding the true nature of the fleeting triumph of wickedness and God’s ultimate justice.

In this chapter, Zophar speaks with fiery conviction, convinced that he understands the formula for worldly success and inevitable failure. He attributes Job’s suffering directly to wickedness, a perspective the Coptic Orthodox tradition encourages us to question and examine, holding fast to the belief that God’s ways are higher than our ways.

Commentary Sections

Job 20:1-3

(KJV) Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

(NKJV) Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said: “Therefore my anxious thoughts make me answer, Because of the torment within me. I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.”

Zophar, agitated and wounded by Job’s rejection of his previous arguments, speaks with haste and a perceived sense of righteousness. The “check of my reproach” suggests he feels personally insulted and misunderstood. This highlights a critical point: Our understanding of God’s justice should not be driven by personal offense but by a humble seeking of truth. The Coptic Orthodox emphasis on stillness and prayer before speaking, as exemplified by the Desert Fathers, stands in contrast to Zophar’s impetuous response. “Μὴ ταχὺς τῇ γλώσσῃ σου, ἵνα μὴ προλάβῃ ὁ νοῦς σου.” – “Be not hasty in your speech, lest your mind outrun you.” – (Apophthegmata Patrum).

Spiritual Application: Before reacting to perceived insults or injustices, take time for prayer and reflection. Seek God’s wisdom to guide your words and actions. Find spiritual resources on WordPress Website Hosting to help your online ministry.

Job 20:4-11

(KJV) Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds; Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he? He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night. The eye also which saw him shall see him no more; neither shall his place any more behold him. His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their wealth. His bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.

(NKJV) “Do you not know this of old, Since man was placed on earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment? Though his height reaches to the heavens, And his head touches the clouds, Yet he will perish forever like his own refuse; Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ He will fly away like a dream, and will not be found; Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night. The eye that saw him will see him no more, Nor will his place ever behold him again. His children must make restitution to the poor, And his hands must give back their wealth. His bones are full of his youthful vigor, But it will lie down with him in the dust.”

Zophar asserts that the success of the wicked is fleeting. He uses vivid imagery of soaring heights followed by utter destruction. This resonates with a common theme throughout Scripture: Pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). The Coptic tradition warns against placing value on earthly possessions and fleeting glory. St. Anthony the Great famously renounced his wealth to follow Christ, demonstrating a rejection of temporary triumph in favor of eternal reward. The reference to children seeking to please the poor and restoring wealth suggests a karmic consequence, where the wicked’s descendants suffer for their ancestor’s sins. This also reflects the Old Testament concept of generational curses, which Coptic Orthodox understanding sees as tendencies towards sin that are passed down, rather than inescapable fate. The idea of youthful vigor turning to dust is a potent reminder of mortality and the futility of clinging to earthly power.

Spiritual Application: Do not be deceived by the apparent success of the wicked. Focus on eternal values and live a life of humility and service. Remember that earthly treasures are fleeting, while spiritual riches endure. Guard against pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency.

Job 20:12-19

(KJV) Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, and he hide it under his tongue; Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth: Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him. He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly. He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper’s tongue shall slay him. He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter. That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein. Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;

(NKJV) “Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, And he hides it under his tongue, Though he spares it and does not forsake it, But still keeps it in his mouth, Yet his food will turn sour in his stomach; It will become cobra venom within him. He will vomit up the riches he swallowed; God will cast them out of his stomach. He will suck the poison of cobras; The viper’s tongue will slay him. He will not see the rivers, The flowing streams of honey and cream. What he labored for he must restore, And will not swallow it down; From the substance of his gain He will restore it, And will not rejoice over it, Because he has oppressed and forsaken the poor, He has violently seized a house which he did not build,”

Zophar uses visceral imagery to describe the consequences of wickedness. What seems sweet initially turns to poison and torment. This speaks to the deceptive nature of sin, which often presents itself as pleasurable but ultimately leads to destruction. The phrase “gall of asps” and “viper’s tongue” evokes the deadly consequences of indulging in evil. The forced restitution of wealth underscores the fact that ill-gotten gains will not bring lasting joy. The reference to oppressing the poor and seizing houses echoes the prophetic condemnations of social injustice found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 5:8). The Coptic Orthodox Church has a strong tradition of caring for the poor and vulnerable, reflecting Christ’s compassion and challenging systems of oppression. The mention of honey and butter as something the wicked will not see can be understood as a metaphor for the blessings and abundance of God, which are withheld from those who reject Him.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of the deceptive nature of sin. Resist the temptation to indulge in evil pleasures. Act justly and compassionately towards the poor and oppressed. Seek true and lasting joy in God, not in material possessions.

Job 20:20-29

(KJV) Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. There shall none remain of his meat; therefore shall no man look for his goods. In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him. When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain it upon him while he is eating. He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through. It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors are upon him. All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle. The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him. The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.

(NKJV) “Because he knows no quietness in his heart, He will not save anything of what he desires. Nothing is left for him to eat; Therefore his well-being will not last. In his self-sufficiency he will be in distress; Every hand of misery will come upon him. When he is about to fill his stomach, God will cast on him the fury of His wrath, And will rain it on him while he is eating. He will flee from the iron weapon; A bronze bow will pierce him through. It is drawn forth, and comes out of his body; Yes, the glittering point comes out of his gall. Terrors come upon him; Total darkness is reserved for his hidden places. An unfanned fire will consume him; It will consume all that is left in his tent. The heavens will reveal his iniquity, And the earth will rise up against him. The increase of his house will depart; His goods will flow away in the day of His wrath. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, The heritage appointed to him by God.”

The final verses of Zophar’s speech paint a picture of utter desolation and divine judgment. The wicked will never find peace or satisfaction, even in their abundance. The imagery of God’s wrath raining down while eating is particularly striking, depicting a sudden and unexpected destruction. The “unfanned fire” suggests a judgment that comes from within, a consequence of the wicked’s own actions. The heavens and the earth rising up against him emphasize the cosmic scope of divine justice. Ultimately, Zophar concludes that this is the “portion of a wicked man from God,” implying a direct and deterministic relationship between sin and suffering. While the Coptic Orthodox Church acknowledges God’s justice and the consequences of sin, it also emphasizes His mercy and the possibility of repentance. The focus is not solely on punishment, but on the potential for transformation and reconciliation with God. As St. Isaac the Syrian said, “The furnace of hell is mercy.” (“Ἡ κάμινος τῆς γεέννης ἐστὶν ἔλεος.” – Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies).

Spiritual Application: Live in a state of repentance and humility, seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness. Trust in God’s justice but also remember His boundless love and compassion. Be mindful of the consequences of sin, both in this life and the next.

Subtopic Sections

Let’s consider some key reflections gleaned from Zophar’s pronouncements:

• ✨ The Illusion of Prosperity: The world often measures success by material wealth and power. However, true prosperity lies in a right relationship with God.
• 💡 The Deceptive Nature of Sin: Sin often presents itself as pleasurable, but it ultimately leads to destruction and inner turmoil.
• 📖 The Importance of Justice: God is a God of justice, and He will ultimately hold the wicked accountable for their actions. This is not to justify hatred, but to give perspective.
• 📜 The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Glory: Earthly achievements and possessions are temporary and will eventually fade away.
• 🕊️ The Power of Repentance: While Zophar focuses on judgment, the broader biblical narrative emphasizes the possibility of repentance and forgiveness.
• ⚖️ God’s Justice and Mercy: Divine justice is tempered by divine mercy. God desires the repentance of sinners, not their destruction.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Zophar’s speech and its relevance to Coptic Orthodox theology:

• Q: Is Zophar’s perspective entirely wrong?

  A: No, Zophar’s words contain elements of truth. Wickedness does have consequences, and God is just. However, his rigid application of this principle to Job’s situation is flawed and fails to account for the complexities of suffering.

• Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church view suffering?

  A: The Coptic Orthodox Church views suffering as a mystery that can draw us closer to God. It is not always a direct punishment for sin, but can be a test of faith, a means of purification, or an opportunity to share in Christ’s suffering.

• Q: What is the significance of Zophar’s emphasis on the fleeting nature of earthly triumph?

  A: This emphasis serves as a warning against placing our hope in material possessions or worldly power. True and lasting joy can only be found in God, in eternal riches.

• Q: How can we apply Zophar’s message to our lives today?

  A: We can learn from Zophar’s words by being mindful of the consequences of sin, acting justly towards others, and focusing on eternal values. However, we must also temper his pronouncements with humility and a recognition that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding.

Conclusion

Zophar’s speech in Job 20, while powerful and evocative, ultimately falls short in its understanding of God’s justice and the complexities of human suffering. He offers a simplistic view of the the fleeting triumph of wickedness, failing to grasp the depth of Job’s pain and the mystery of divine providence. The Coptic Orthodox perspective invites us to approach such passages with humility and discernment, acknowledging the truth in Zophar’s words while also recognizing their limitations. We must strive to live a life of righteousness, remembering that earthly success is fleeting, and that true joy is found in a relationship with God. May we seek always His guidance and mercy, relying on His infinite love and wisdom.

Tags

Job, Zophar, Commentary, Coptic Orthodox, Suffering, Wickedness, Justice, Theology, Patristic, Old Testament

Meta Description

Explore Job 20 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover insights into Zophar’s view of the fleeting triumph of wickedness, justice, and suffering. Commentary & spiritual applications inside!