Sunday: Success is Temporary: Job 20:1-11
No matter how rich, famous, or secure he may be, the wicked person will eventually perish. Zophar’ s speech is an echo of Bildad’s as he describes the fate of the wicked man. The speech did not apply to Job, but it should be taken to heart by self-confident, successful people who leave God out of their lives. Zophar used graphic images: he will go away like refuse or like a dream or a night vision. Here today, gone tomorrow! (James 4:13-17; 1 John 2:17)
Monday: Life is Bitter: Job 20:12-19
Dainty food becomes poison and wealth makes him sick. The things he thought he would enjoy only bring pain to him. Riches without God can never give anyone true enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:1-10; Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)
Tuesday: Life is Painful: Job 20:20-29
He has no peace because everybody has declared war on him, including God, who rains judgment on him. Arrows, terrors, darkness, and fire are his lot and then – the end. Zophar tried to frighten Job into confessing his sins and getting right with God, but his approach did not work. The fear of God is a legitimate motive for obedience, but it is not the only motive and it must be tempered by love. (Matthew 10:28; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, 14)
Wednesday: Job Replies: Job 21:1-6
Job questioned their basic premise. He had often seen the wicked enjoying great blessing: long life, many descendants, peace and safety, riches, success, and days filled with joy. Yes, the wicked die, but even their death is often quick and easy. (Psalm 73:1-14)
Thursday: Why the Wicked Live On: Job 21:7-16
Job questioned the inequities of life, especially the prosperity, success and happiness of many of the wicked. Ultimately God will justly rectify all things and give to each one according to his or her deeds and love of the truth. The wicked will not remain unpunished, nor will the righteous be left unvindicated or unrewarded (Psalm 37; Romans 2:5-11; Revelations 2:10)
Friday: Job Continues: Job 21:17-21
If comfort and wealth are evidences of holiness, our Lord was not holy, for He had little earthly comfort and wealth, and He died a terrible death on the cross. Perhaps we need to examine our own logic and see if we are thinking like God or like the devil. (Psalm 1:1; Matthew 16:21-28)
Saturday: Job Concludes: Job 21:22-34
God’s nature is to be patient and kind, but His promises of judgment are not false, whatever the evidence may seem to be in one’s historical experience.