Job 20:18 – “What he toiled for he must give back uneaten; he will not enjoy the profit from his trading.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Zophar describes how the wicked person’s efforts to gain wealth and prosperity will ultimately fail. The phrase “what he toiled for he must give back uneaten” suggests that all the hard work, striving, and accumulation of riches will amount to nothing in the end. The wicked person will be forced to return what they have gained, and they will not be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This is a direct result of the sinful means by which they obtained their wealth. Zophar is emphasizing the futility of dishonest or sinful pursuits—what the wicked accumulate will not bring them lasting satisfaction.
The second part of the verse, “he will not enjoy the profit from his trading,” reinforces this point. No matter how successful or wealthy someone appears to be from a worldly perspective, if their wealth was gained through sin, they will not ultimately benefit from it. The wealth or success that might seem impressive at first will eventually be lost or taken away.
Historical Context
In the time when the book of Job was written, wealth and success were often seen as blessings from God. However, it was also understood that wealth gained through unjust means—like exploitation, dishonesty, or greed—was wrong and would lead to eventual ruin. The ancient world, much like today, valued hard work and honest gain. But the moral teachings of the Bible consistently warned against the idea that wealth could be accumulated without integrity.
Zophar’s message in this verse taps into this moral tradition. His warning reflects the broader cultural understanding that dishonest gain would ultimately be lost. This would have resonated deeply with an audience who valued justice, fairness, and righteous living.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse speaks to the justice of God. Zophar’s words emphasize that God will not allow sin to go unpunished forever, especially when it comes to how people use and acquire wealth. If someone accumulates wealth through sinful means, they will eventually have to give it up. God’s justice ensures that the wicked will not enjoy the benefits of what they have gained dishonestly.
This verse also highlights the temporary nature of worldly wealth and success. From a biblical perspective, lasting satisfaction and security do not come from money or material gain but from living a life that honors God. This verse warns against putting trust in wealth or in the things of this world, because they can easily be taken away, especially when obtained through sin.
Literary Analysis
The language in this verse paints a vivid picture of loss and futility. The phrase “what he toiled for he must give back uneaten” suggests that even though the wicked person may have worked hard to accumulate wealth, they will not be able to keep or enjoy it. The image of toiling and then being forced to return what was gained gives a sense of frustration and emptiness. All the effort will have been for nothing.
The phrase “he will not enjoy the profit from his trading” adds to this sense of futility. It’s not just that the wicked will lose their wealth—they will also miss out on the joy or satisfaction that they expected to come from it. The imagery here conveys the ultimate emptiness of wealth when it is pursued in sinful ways.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” This proverb reinforces the idea that wealth gained through dishonesty will not last.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” This verse highlights the futility of trying to find satisfaction in wealth alone.
- James 5:1-3: “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.” This passage speaks to the judgment that comes on those who put their trust in wealth rather than in God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 20:18 is a powerful reminder that wealth and success are not the ultimate goals of life, especially when they are obtained through sinful means. It challenges us to think about how we pursue and use the resources that God has given us. Are we accumulating wealth through honest, God-honoring means? Or are we compromising our values in the pursuit of financial gain?
This verse warns against the temptation to chase after wealth at any cost. Even if we gain material success through dishonest or selfish actions, we will not find lasting satisfaction. The things we work for and accumulate in this life can easily be taken away. True fulfillment comes from a life lived in obedience to God, trusting in Him for our needs and using what we have to serve others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s justice, as expressed in this verse, is an aspect of His love. God cares deeply about fairness, honesty, and righteousness, and He desires for His people to live in a way that reflects His character. By allowing the wicked to lose the wealth they have gained through sinful means, God is upholding justice and protecting those who may have been wronged or exploited.
God’s love also extends to those who may be tempted by the pursuit of wealth. He warns us against putting our trust in riches because He knows that true joy and fulfillment come from Him, not from material possessions. In His love, God invites us to trust in Him for our provision, rather than striving for wealth in ways that dishonor Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus spoke often about the dangers of wealth and the need to focus on God’s kingdom rather than accumulating earthly treasures. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus emphasizes that wealth on earth is temporary and can be lost, just as Zophar describes in this verse. But Jesus offers us a better way: to invest in eternal things, living in a way that reflects God’s priorities and values. Through Jesus, we learn that true wealth comes from a relationship with God and from living according to His purposes.
Jesus also invites us to find our security and identity in Him, rather than in the things of this world. While the world values wealth and success, Jesus teaches that true fulfillment comes from following Him and serving others. His sacrifice on the cross shows us the ultimate act of love and generosity, reminding us that we are called to live with open hands, ready to give rather than grasping for more.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge the way you think about wealth and success?
- Are there any areas in your life where you are tempted to pursue wealth or material gain in ways that may compromise your integrity or values?
- How can you focus more on storing up “treasures in heaven” rather than chasing after temporary wealth?
- How does Jesus’ teaching about wealth and generosity change the way you view material success?
- In what ways can you use the resources God has given you to bless others and honor Him?
This verse calls us to reflect on the temporary nature of worldly wealth and challenges us to pursue a life of integrity, generosity, and faithfulness to God. Through Jesus, we are offered the opportunity to live for what truly matters, storing up treasures in heaven rather than chasing after the fleeting rewards of this world.