In what ways should Job 21:23 influence our view of material success? “One man dies full of vigor, completely secure and at ease.” Setting the Scene • Job counters his friends’ claim that prosperity always signals divine favor. • Verses 24–26 show both prosperous and destitute people ending in the same dust. • The spotlight falls on the temporary nature of material success. Key Truths about Material Success • Temporary Comfort: Earthly ease can exist right up to death, yet it cannot cross the grave (Psalm 49:16-17). • No Automatic Spiritual Proof: Prosperity is not a guaranteed badge of God’s approval (Jeremiah 12:1; Luke 16:19-31). • Common Destiny: Rich and poor alike “lie down in the dust” (Job 21:26); only relationship with God endures (Matthew 16:26). • Sovereign Distribution: Wealth and vigor come or go under God’s hand, not merely human effort (1 Samuel 2:7). • Hidden Stories: Outward success may mask inward emptiness (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Reinforcing Scriptures • Luke 12:15 — “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-18 — Rich believers are to hope in God and excel in generosity. • Proverbs 23:5 — Wealth “flies away like an eagle.” • James 1:10-11 — The rich man “will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” • Matthew 6:19-20 — Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Practical Takeaways • Hold possessions loosely; they are gifts, not guarantees. • Measure success by faithfulness and eternal impact rather than bank balance. • Cultivate generosity while resources remain in your hand. • Anchor security in God’s character, not in fluctuating accounts. • View every earthly blessing as a stewardship moment with an expiration date. Living It Out Today • Celebrate God’s provision without equating net worth with self-worth. • Use present vigor and resources to serve, knowing both could disappear overnight. • Keep eternity in view; let Job 21:23 remind you that real success survives death. |
    |