Job 20:21 – “Nothing is left for him to devour; his prosperity will not endure.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Zophar continues his description of the fate of the wicked. He points out that the person who has lived a sinful life, devouring everything in their path to satisfy their own desires, will ultimately find themselves with nothing left. Their prosperity, which might have seemed strong and secure, will not last. Zophar is making the point that the wealth and success gained by sinful means will eventually disappear, leaving the wicked person empty and destitute.
This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly prosperity when it is not rooted in righteousness. No matter how much someone accumulates, if they have gained it dishonestly or through sinful actions, they will eventually lose everything. Their greed leads to their downfall, and the prosperity they once relied on will not last.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, wealth and success were often seen as signs of God’s blessing. However, the Bible consistently warns against the dangers of pursuing wealth at the expense of righteousness and justice. In the time of Job, it was understood that prosperity gained through dishonest or oppressive means would not endure. The prophets and wisdom literature of the Bible repeatedly call out those who gain wealth by devouring the poor, exploiting others, or living in greed.
Zophar’s words reflect this tradition. He speaks to the ancient understanding that while wealth might bring temporary comfort, it cannot provide lasting security if it is gained through unrighteousness. Those who accumulate wealth by sinful means will eventually face the consequences, and their prosperity will fade.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse speaks to the justice of God. Zophar is reminding us that God sees the actions of the wicked and will not allow their unjust gains to last forever. Those who live in greed and selfishness, consuming everything around them for their own benefit, will eventually lose what they have accumulated. Their prosperity will not endure because it is built on a foundation of sin.
This verse also emphasizes the biblical principle that true prosperity comes from God and is connected to righteous living. While the world may measure success by wealth, power, or status, God’s perspective is different. He values integrity, justice, and generosity. The prosperity that comes from a relationship with God is lasting and eternal, while the wealth gained by sinful means is temporary and fleeting.
Literary Analysis
Zophar uses strong imagery in this verse to describe the downfall of the wicked. The phrase “nothing is left for him to devour” paints a picture of someone who has consumed everything around them, leaving nothing behind. It’s an image of greed and selfishness, where the person has taken and taken, without regard for others. But in the end, there is nothing left—both for them to take and for them to rely on.
The second part of the verse, “his prosperity will not endure,” emphasizes the fleeting nature of material wealth. The word “endure” suggests that the prosperity the wicked person once enjoyed was not built to last. Zophar is highlighting the difference between temporary, worldly success and the lasting prosperity that comes from a life lived in alignment with God’s values.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” This verse reinforces the idea that wealth gained through dishonest means will not last.
- Psalm 37:35-36: “I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.” This psalm reflects the temporary nature of the success of the wicked.
- Matthew 6:19-20: “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.” Jesus teaches about the temporary nature of earthly wealth and the importance of focusing on eternal treasures.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 20:21 is a reminder that the pursuit of wealth or success apart from God is ultimately empty. It challenges us to think about where we are placing our trust and what we are working toward. Are we devouring everything around us in pursuit of our own gain, or are we living in a way that reflects God’s values of generosity, justice, and righteousness?
This verse encourages us to see that material success, if it is gained at the expense of others or through sinful means, will not last. As Christians, we are called to live with integrity, to seek first God’s kingdom, and to trust that true prosperity comes from Him. The things of this world may bring temporary satisfaction, but they cannot provide the lasting peace and security that comes from a relationship with God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire for justice and His care for those who are harmed by the greed and selfishness of others. In His love, God will not allow the wicked to continue devouring everything around them without consequence. He sees the suffering of the oppressed and the injustice caused by those who live only for themselves, and He acts to bring justice.
At the same time, God’s love is also extended to the wicked, calling them to repentance. His desire is for everyone to turn from their sinful ways and find true life in Him. God offers forgiveness and restoration to those who are willing to turn away from their greed and selfishness and to live according to His ways.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus speaks often about the dangers of wealth and greed, warning that those who live for themselves and pursue worldly success will ultimately lose everything. In Mark 8:36, Jesus asks, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” This connects directly to the message of Job 20:21—devouring everything in pursuit of personal gain leads to spiritual emptiness and loss.
Jesus also offers an alternative way of living. In Matthew 6:33, He teaches, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus invites us to seek God’s kingdom and to trust that He will provide for our needs. True prosperity, according to Jesus, comes not from accumulating wealth but from living in relationship with God and following His ways.
Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we are offered the chance to live differently. We no longer need to chase after worldly success or devour everything around us in an attempt to find satisfaction. In Christ, we find the true riches of God’s grace, love, and eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of your life are you tempted to pursue worldly success or wealth at the expense of others or at the expense of your relationship with God?
- How does this verse challenge the way you think about prosperity and success? What does it mean to seek God’s kind of prosperity?
- How can you live a life of generosity and integrity, trusting that God will provide for your needs?
- What steps can you take to ensure that you are building your life on things that will last, rather than on temporary material success?
- How does Jesus’ teaching about storing up treasures in heaven impact the way you live and make decisions today?
This verse reminds us that true prosperity is not found in devouring everything around us for personal gain but in living a life of integrity, generosity, and dependence on God. Through Jesus, we are invited to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that He will provide for us and give us lasting peace and fulfillment.